I Have a Dental Emergency - We're Here!

A common cause of saying “I have a dental emergency” is a knocked-out tooth. Experiencing a knocked-out tooth can be startling, but knowing the right steps to take immediately after can significantly improve the odds of saving it. Acting quickly in such situations is crucial to increase the chance of saving the tooth.

• Find the tooth:
  Carefully pick up the dislodged tooth by the crown (or the part of the tooth seen inside the mouth). Avoid holding or touching the root to prevent damaging the sensitive tissues.
• Rinse if dirty:
  If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or running water. Do not scrub it or use any kind of cleaning solution, like soap.
• Attempt reinsertion:
  Try to place the tooth back in its socket. After which, bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
• Keep it moist:
  If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk, or if milk isn’t available, hold it inside your cheek.
• Seek immediate dental care:
  Contact a dental professional right away. Quick action is crucial for the optimal chance of preserving your tooth.

Seeking immediate dental care is paramount. Our team is prepared to assist in these urgent situations, providing the knowledge and care needed to potentially save your tooth. Don’t hesitate to contact us in the event of such dental emergencies; we’re here to support your oral health every step of the way.

In case of an emergency, such as severe pain, fractured tooth or dental trauma, it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible, preferably within 30 minutes to an hour. Taking prompt action maximises the chances of saving the natural tooth, relieving pain, and preventing further complications. Efficient treatment and safeguarding of long-term oral health depend on quick and professional intervention.

Delaying care can worsen the situation, leading to more severe damage and potentially necessitating more complex dental procedures. For detailed advice on managing dental emergencies and the critical nature of timely care, it’s advisable to consult a dentist directly.

If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, immediate dental consultation is crucial to diagnose and manage the underlying cause. Before you can see a dentist, the following first-aid measures can provide temporary relief:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
  A warm saltwater rinse can soothe mouth irritations, reduce inflammation, and mitigate bacterial growth.
• Apply a cold compress.
  Place a bag of ice wrapped in a towel on the outer surface of your cheek, on the side where the toothache is. This helps constrict the blood vessels in the area, which may help alleviate pain and swelling.
• Avoid extreme temperatures:
  Steer clear of very hot or cold foods and beverages to prevent exacerbating the toothache. Opt for soft foods and chew on the side opposite the affected tooth.

If you’re experiencing a severe toothache that persists for more than two days, it’s crucial to contact your dentist immediately. A severe toothache that does not improve with home care measures may signal underlying issues requiring professional attention.

It’s common advice to see your dentist as soon as possible when experiencing an oral health issue. However, it’s important to note that not every single dental issue is considered an emergency. It is important to assess if your dental concern requires immediate attention from your dentist, even outside of regular clinic hours, or if it can wait until the next available appointment. Here are the common signs that you should observe:

• Extreme pain:
  Dental pain that is unmanageable or hinders normal activities usually indicates immediate attention is needed.
• Dental damage:
  If your tooth cracks, chips, loosens, or falls out of its socket, immediate treatment is needed from your dentist.
• Bleeding:
  Gums that continuously bleed, even with basic first aid, necessitate urgent attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Swelling:
  Persistent swelling in the mouth or facial area can potentially point to dental abscess or an infection, which necessitates immediate treatment.
• Lost or damaged dental work:
  Damaged or failed dental work, such as crowns and fillings, needs urgent restoration.

If you experience or know someone who has these conditions, we encourage you to call the nearest clinic. At Willeri Dental Parkwood, our team of dentists is ready to provide emergency care and ease the pain.

Managing dental emergencies until you can get to the dentist involves several crucial steps to minimise discomfort and prevent further damage. Here are some ways you can do this:

1. Managing Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth
   • Rinse and Swell Management:
     As we’ve mentioned earlier, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean and soothe the area. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to your outer cheek.
   • Handling broken pieces:
     If possible, save any pieces of the tooth that have broken off and bring them to your dentist.
   • Temporary protection:
     Use dental wax to cover any sharp edges of the damaged tooth.
2. For Lost Filling or Crown
   • Temporary management:
     As a temporary measure, apply a small amount of dental cement (available at pharmacies) to the affected area.
   • Chew carefully:
     To prevent pain and further damage, avoid chewing on the side of the lost filling or crown.
3. For Soft Tissue Injuries
   • Rinse with salt water:
     Rinsing with warm salt water can also be beneficial in managing soft tissue injuries. It can help ease discomfort and minimise bacterial growth.
   • Control bleeding:
     Apply pressure using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the bleeding is persistent or the wound is deep, seek medical attention.
   • Cold compress for swelling:
     Use ice wrapped in a cloth on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and bruising.

It’s important to remember that while these steps can provide temporary relief, they do not replace the need for professional dental care. When an emergency arises, taking swift and appropriate action can significantly impact the outcome.

Emergency dental care costs can vary, depending on the treatment you need. To give you an idea, we’ve listed the estimated cost of dental procedures that may be performed:

• Dental crowns:
  This dental restoration can cost from $2,100 up to $4,700.
• Dental bonding:
  The price can start at $180 or more, depending on the severity of your tooth damage.
• Tooth fillings:
  The cost depends on the material used and the extent of the procedure. Simple fillings can cost $275, while fees for complex cases can start at $475.
• Tooth extraction:
  This procedure can cost between $300 and $450 per tooth.

The fees mentioned above are only estimates, and they aim to guide your financial expectations. They can differ from the actual cost of your emergency dental treatment. For specific pricing and services, it’s recommended that you consult directly with your dentist.

Health fund cover for dental emergencies varies depending on your health fund and specific policy. Some plans may cover emergency dental procedures either partially or fully, while others might have certain restrictions or not cover these situations at all. Saying “I have a dental emergency” signals the need for immediate attention.

Therefore, it’s important to check your policy details or contact your health fund to understand the extent of cover. Additionally, be aware of any waiting periods, co-payments, and benefit limits.

At Willeri Dental Parkwood, we’ll discuss your health fund cover and other important considerations during your consultation. Our dental team aims to help you make the right decisions for your immediate dental care needs.