Melbourne Dentist Tips: Dealing with Dental Emergencies

Dr Halim Prayogo (Dentist)
8 years ago

Dealing with a dental emergency is never easy, especially if you don’t have any idea how and when to start performing the first aid. However, knowing some tips on what to do in the middle of an emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Read on to learn what the most common dental emergencies are and what you can do if a dental health 911 happens.

A Handy Guide for Common Dental Emergencies

Knocked-out Permanent tooth

Locate the tooth as quickly as possible. Avoid holding the tooth by the root, scrubbing or soaking.
If dirty, rinse the tooth with milk or tap water.
Keep the tooth moist at all times by putting it in a small container with milk or saliva.
If possible, try to reposition the tooth in the socket without touching the root. You must act quickly. The knocked-out tooth has a fair chance of taking root again if it is put back in place within 10 minutes. However, the chances are poor if it takes longer than two hours.
If placing the tooth back is not possible or if there is a possibility that it might be swallowed, place it in a container of milk.
Go to your dentist or go the nearest available dental office immediately.

Cracked Tooth

Save any tooth fragments
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Call your dentist right away.

Toothaches

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out.
Use dental floss to dislodge any food caught between your teeth.
Take painkillers like paracetamol and/or ibuprofen, but not aspirin.
Avoid putting aspirin or any pain medication against the affected tooth or gum tissue.
See your dentist as soon as possible.

Bitten Lip or Tongue

Clean the area with a clean cloth.
Use an icepack or apply cold compress to stop the bleeding and decrease swelling.
If the bleeding continues after 15 minutes, go to emergency at a hospital immediately.

Preparing for a Dental Emergency

Dental first aid can save a tooth. Knowing what to do within the first hour following a mouth injury can save the tooth. Situations like this require that you to stay calm and act quickly. Here are additional tips in case of a dental emergency.

Recover the tooth carefully. Pick the tooth by the crown and don’t hold it by the root. In addition, avoid scrubbing or rubbing the root surface. Keep the tooth or the fragments moist and don’t let them dry out. Most importantly, never store the damaged tooth in water.

Whatever form of dental emergency you have, it is critical to seek professional dental care as quickly as possible. This gives you a huge chance of saving the tooth if you arrive at the dental office or hospital emergency room within an hour.

Get the Help You Need from Your Emergency Dentist in Melbourne

If you are in need of immediate dental care, don’t hesitate to call or visit our dental office in Melbourne here at Q1 Dental. Dental emergencies must be addressed promptly and quickly. Thus, urgent situations become our priority so you can be treated and feel relieved as soon as possible. We believe in providing the best possible experience for our patients by making your dental health and satisfaction our topmost priority. With three convenient locations across Melbourne — Q1 Dental’s mission is to be your local dental practice.

Q1 Dental practice is conveniently located within St Kilda Road Towers at 1 Queens Road in the heart of the St Kilda road Business precinct. We are close to public transport and only minutes from Melbourne CBD.

For Medibank Private, HCF and CBHS, claim your PAY NO GAP OFFER on check-up and clean. Bulk Bill Child Benefit Schedule Up to $1,000. FREE Consultation on Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening and Orthodontics. To know more about dental offers, Call us on (03) 9078 1955 or book your appointment online.

Guaranteed same day emergency appointment.