What to do during a Dental Emergency?
During a dental emergency, it is important to act quickly and take appropriate steps to minimize pain and prevent further damage. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Stay calm: Panicking can make the situation worse, so try to stay calm and composed.
2. Assess the situation: Determine the severity of the dental emergency. Common dental emergencies include toothache, knocked-out tooth, cracked or chipped tooth, a loose filling or crown, and mouth or gum injuries.
3. Call a dentist: Contact your dentist as soon as possible. They can provide guidance, advice, and schedule an emergency appointment if needed. If the dental emergency occurs outside of office hours, find an emergency dentist or visit the nearest emergency room.
4. Rinse with warm saltwater: If there is bleeding or a painful gum or mouth injury, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help clean the area and promote healing.
5. Control bleeding: If there is bleeding from the mouth, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or gauze pad. Keep the pressure for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. If bleeding persists or is severe, seek immediate medical attention.
6. Save a knocked-out tooth: If a tooth has been completely knocked out, gently rinse it under water without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place with clean gauze or a tissue. If it cannot be reinserted, keep it in a container of milk or saliva and bring it to the dentist immediately.
7. Manage pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can temporarily alleviate toothache or gum pain. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
8.Use a cold compress: If there is swelling or facial pain due to a dental emergency, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for about 15 minutes. This can help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief.
Remember, the best course of action during a dental emergency is to contact a dental professional as soon as possible. They can assess the situation, provide appropriate treatment, and address any concerns you may have.
Please call us at (08) 9848 1486 to discuss if you need an emergency appointment.
