Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies never happen at a good time and we understand that being in pain or discomfort can be very unpleasant. That is why we are here to help you by offering you immediate and accessible dental emergency care.

Our team has years of experience in general and emergency dentistry and treat all ages, so no matter if you have a child with a sporting injury or an elderly parent with a sore tooth, we will be able to help in a caring and compassionate way.

We also provide same-day appointment to ensure you get out of pain as quickly as possible.

Call us today on (07)5479 5522 to make an appointment.

Toothache

Toothache is a sign that something is wrong with your tooth and you should never ignore it, even if it seems to initially disappear. It is often caused by an infection that will need dental treatment to clear it up and to hopefully save your tooth. Toothache can take the form of a shooting pain whenever you bite down, or it could be a consistent and throbbing pain. 

What Should I Do If I Have Toothache?

Firstly, try gently flossing around the affected tooth and rinsing your mouth with warm water. Occasionally toothache can be caused by impacted food in between a tooth, pushing it slightly out of place. If this doesn’t help, contact us so we can arrange an emergency appointment for you. We can also offer advice about how to deal with the pain until you come to see us. Some people find using a cold compress helps to ease the pain, or that a warm salt water rinse is soothing. Please do not place aspirin directly on the gums as this will not help to relieve the discomfort but could burn your gum tissue.

When does Toothache Require Urgent Care?

If your toothache is causing facial swelling, or if you have a fever or feel unwell, please contact us straightaway.  It is possible you may have an abscess that requires urgent treatment.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

If you can, save any pieces of broken teeth and bring the fragments with you to your appointment. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water to help remove any remaining debris. 

What Should I Do if I Have Facial Swelling or Bleeding?

Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth or your cheek or lip to reduce any swelling and to help relieve the pain. If the injury has caused bleeding, use a clean piece or gauze or tissue and apply gentle pressure to the wound until it stops bleeding. If the bleeding continues for more than twenty minutes, please contact us or visit the emergency department at your nearest hospital.

Does it Matter if I Have a Small Chip in a Tooth?

Please don’t ignore chipped or broken teeth! Even if the damage doesn’t seem serious, any chips still need mending. Your teeth are normally protected by a tough outer layer of tooth enamel.

Lost Filling

If you lose a filling or have an older filling that has begun to crumble away, it is important to get it replaced as soon as you can. A missing filling will allow bacteria to get into your tooth, causing more decay. This could lead to a tooth infection, requiring root canal therapy to prevent tooth loss. It is so much easier and cheaper to simply get that filling renewed, so please contact us for an appointment to see our dentist. 

Is There Anything I Can Use to Temporarily Fill a Tooth?

Until you can come and see us, it is possible to insert a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum into the cavity. Another option is to use some temporary cement. You can buy this over-the counter as part of an emergency dental kit used to temporarily hold a loose crown in place. When a filling falls out, the dentine underneath the filling is exposed and your tooth might feel extra sensitive. Temporarily filling the tooth will help to reduce unwanted sensitivity, particularly when you eat something hot or cold. 

Broken Braces / Wires

Any type of breakage must be professionally repaired as soon as possible. If you delay, then it could affect the efficacy of your orthodontic treatment and may mean it takes longer to complete. Please contact your orthodontist for an appointment if you break a wire or any part of your orthodontic appliance. You should never try to mend an orthodontic appliance yourself as you could end up damaging it beyond repair.  Your orthodontist will soon be able to sort out the problem so treatment can continue and they will ensure your braces are properly adjusted.

What Should I Do Until My Appointment?

If you have broken a wire then try using the eraser from the end of a pencil to gently push the wire so it cannot dig into your cheeks, tongue or gums. If you cannot do this, use a small piece of orthodontic wax to cover up the broken end. Alternatively cover up the broken wire with a piece of gauze or a cotton wool ball. Please do not cut the loose wire as this could be dangerous. There is a risk you could end up swallowing the wire, or you might inhale it into your lungs.

If you have a dental emergency then please call us straightaway as we are here to help you. Phone our dental practice on (07) 5479 5522 for immediate advice and care, or book online.

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