• 15 AUG 17
    • 18

    Do You Need to Visit the Emergency Dentist?

    emergency-dentist-redbank-plains

    On average, most people are scheduled to visit their dentist twice a year – once every six months. These appointments are general check-ups, and a time for you dentist to see whether you would benefit from any fillings or crowns.

    It would be too much to hope that a dental emergency would occur just as you were on your way to your scheduled dentist appointment, so what should you do if you find yourself with dental issues, and what justifies a visit to the emergency dentist?

     

    • If You Are Having a Dental Emergency near Ipswich, Call us Now on (07) 3814 3311

     

    Knocked Out Teeth

    If a tooth has been knocked out, it is absolutely urgent that you get to a dentist. Going as little as half and hour without seeing a dentist could be the difference between your tooth being saved and lost.

    If you do find that a tooth has been knocked out, carefully follow this procedure to maximise your chances of having your tooth re-implanted:

    1. Pick it up by the crown – and avoid touching the roots of the tooth at all costs.
    2. Rinse it gently, being careful not to remove any tissue. Don’t scrub at it.
    3. Try to place the tooth back in its socket and bite down gently. If it won’t go back in, place it in a small cup of milk.
    4. Talk to your dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait to see your dentist, the less chance there is of successfully reimplanting the tooth.

    Loose Teeth

    Having a loose tooth, especially if it appears that is has twisted or is no longer aligned with the rest of your teeth, is definitely a sign that you need to book an emergency appointment with your dentist (unless it’s a baby tooth that is falling out naturally). In the meantime, you can attempt to gently push your tooth back into its original position, and bite down in order to keep it in place.

     

    Cracked or Fractured Teeth

    Having a cracked or fractured tooth could be the sign of a real problem, and is definitely something a dentist should take a look at as soon as possible. If a tooth has cracked on the outside, it is likely that it has also been damaged on the inside. More severe fractions could cause a tooth to have to be removed completely.

    If you find yourself with a fractured or cracked tooth, gently rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to any facial swelling. It’s okay to take a painkiller such as an acetaminophen, but do not take any aspirin, and do not apply any external painkillers to the gum area as it may burn your gum tissue.

     

    Tissue Injuries

    If you find yourself with a tissue injury inside of the mouth – such as punctures or tears in the gums, tongue, cheeks, or lips, clean the area immediately with warm water. Do not take any aspirin or paracetamol, which can increase the bleeding, and get in contact to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

     

    What Isn’t a Dental Emergency?

    Chipped Teeth

    In most cases, chipped teeth are not deemed as a dental emergency – especially if they’re not causing pain. The best practise in the case of a chipped tooth is to make an appointment with your dentist within a few days, and be careful not to chip the tooth any further. At your appointment, your dentist will inspect the chip thoroughly, and it is likely they will smooth the chip out or add a filling to repair the tooth.  

     

    Loose Crowns

    Having a crown become loose or fall out entirely doesn’t require an emergency dental appointment, but it does need replacing until you can book in an appointment.

    To do this, check to see that the crown will fit comfortably back in place, and then remove it again and apply a small amount of Vaseline, toothpaste, or a weak dental adhesive to the crown and put it back in its place. Bite down firmly on a clean, dry cloth for a few minutes to secure it in place until you see your dentist.

    For emergency dental treatment in Ipswich, Redbank Plains is here for you. Our after-hours and weekend appointments are available for anyone suffering a dental emergency.

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