Dental Emergency

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Dental Emergency Port Macquarie

When you’re facing a dental emergency, your dentist should be the first one you call. But what if you encounter a problem during holidays, weekends, or in the middle of the night?

If you’re dealing with a dental problem outside regular office hours, you will likely need to see an emergency dentist or even an emergency room visit.

Is it a Dental Emergency?

Some dental problems need immediate treatment, while others can wait to be treated.

It’s important to know the difference between these kinds of problems, particularly if the problem happens in the middle of the night or over the weekend when most dental offices are closed.

Here are some signs you may have a dental emergency:

Loose or knocked-out permanent tooth
Non-stop bleeding
Jaw injury
Swelling with pain
Toothache

Most Common Dental Emergencies in Port Macquarie

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater.
Use dental floss to remove stuck food.
If swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth.
DO NOT put any painkiller directly to the affected tooth.
See your dentist immediately.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Pick up the tooth by its crown or the top.
Take care not to touch the root.
Rinse the tooth. DO NOT scrub it.

For permanent tooth:

If possible, reinsert the tooth back to its socket.
If you can’t, place the tooth in a small container of milk.
Go to your dentist immediately to increase the chances of saving your tooth.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater.
Apply cold compress outside the affected area to lessen swelling.
Take acetaminophen for the pain.
Avoid using a painkiller or numbing gel because it can damage your gums.

Dental Abscess

Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater several times before you can see your dentist.
Go to your dentist immediately.

Objects Stuck Between Teeth

Carefully remove the lodged object using dental floss
If you can’t, see your dentist
Never use anything sharp and/or pointed to dislodge the object as this can damage your gums and teeth

Dental First Aid Kit

This is an often-overlooked tool you can prepare before dental emergencies.

Here are some contents you can include in your dental first aid kit:

Cotton balls protect oral tissues from damaged braces or dentures.
Teabags help control bleeding and alleviate discomfort in case of bitten tongue, lip, or cheek.
Orthodontic wax can cover the sharp, piercing points of wires or other orthodontic bands.
Toothache drops can give temporary relief from toothache pain when applied directly to the tooth.
A topical anaesthetic provides temporary relief for gum irritation, denture sores, and cold sores.
Clean gauze or a piece of cloth can be used to compress affected area in case of bleeding.