When should I seek out medical care for dental emergencies?

If you prioritise dental health, you probably know when your next visit to our dentist in Doncaster East is scheduled; you might even have the date circled on your calendar.

Unfortunately, you can’t plan for dental emergencies, because they’re so unpredictable. So what should you do when a severe dental issue presents itself out of the blue?

For us to answer this question, we first have to stipulate what constitutes a dental emergency. In this article, we’ll outline what is and isn’t a medical priority, and suggest proactive approaches and home remedies that you can utilise to save your teeth or relieve pain.

What constitutes a dental emergency?

What you might consider a medical emergency and what our dentists at Family Dental Care know is one may differ. For example, a chipped tooth might cause you distress and embarrassment, but unless the issue is accompanied by pain, discomfort or swelling, the chances are that the problem can wait. Read on to find out what is and isn’t an urgent dental issue.

Generally, our dental clinic dedicates time in our workday to more severe issues.

Knocked-out tooth – emergency

A hard impact to your mouth might have resulted in a knocked-out tooth. You should see the dentist in Doncaster East as soon as possible to increase your chances of saving your pearly white. Try to see your dentist in Doncaster East in the hour after the incident occurs.

Subsequently, you must act quickly by doing the following:

• Pick up your tooth crown side and rinse it thoroughly but gently – don’t scrub as you might accidentally remove essential tissue.
• If possible, try to reposition the tooth in the socket and hold it securely in place by biting down. If you can’t, place the tooth in a cup of milk to keep it moist.

Loose teeth – an emergency

If you can wiggle an adult tooth or if it’s out of alignment, you’ll need to see your dental practitioner straightaway. In the meantime, using very light pressure, try to move the pearly white back into the correct position – don’t force it!

Chipped teeth – not usually an emergency

A chipped tooth can usually wait a few days to be seen. However, during this time, it’s important to pay attention to how you eat. To avoid further chipping, avoid chewing with the damaged tooth.

Fractured or broken tooth – an emergency

A cracked or fractured tooth is generally accompanied by pain, bleeding, and swelling, which must be treated to prevent further damage and alleviate feelings of discomfort. There are also additional concerns that there may be internal, as well as external injury. For example, if the soft tissue or pulp is affected, you might have to undergo an emergency root canal to save your tooth.

There are a few things you can do to alleviate the severity of your issues. However, this should not replace professional care. These include:

• Rinsing your mouth with warm water
• Applying an ice pack to the affected site if you’re suffering from a facial trauma. The cold will reduce swelling.
• Taking a painkiller if the pain is intolerable – find the most appropriate by asking your dentist.

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.