What you do when a dental emergency happens will depend on what damage has occurred to your teeth or mouth. Not all dental problems would be considered a dental emergency and the bill for a dentist in an emergency outside of hours, may be higher than seeing a dentist during their regular hours.
If you have a friend with you, you may like to have them call our dentists in Melbourne about the emergency while you take steps to treat the situation at hand. This may result in a more positive outcome once you see the dentist.
What is considered a Dental Emergency?
A mild toothache, chipped tooth, tooth falling out (not knocked out) or tooth pain may be serious but may not require a dentist as an emergency.
When you experience a bad toothache, have a tooth that has been knocked out due to injury, gum bleeding that won’t stop, infections or mouth trauma, you may want to make that dentist emergency phone call on tel:(03) 9662 2288. If in doubt, call our dentists who will be able to better advise if you need emergency dental depending on the circumstances and your pain.
What to do Before Seeing the Dentist for Emergencies.
In nearly all cases, a visit to emergency at a hospital will result in a referral to a dentist. Ensure you have your insurance details if possible and take action based on the damage.
What to do if your tooth is knocked out?
If you have had a tooth knocked out, hold the tooth by the top (Crown) and rinse gently under water. If you are able to reinsert it into the socket in the gum, please do so. If not, put it in a small container to help preserve your tooth prior to seeing our emergency dentist. Take the tooth with you when you see the dentist.
What to do if your tooth is chipped or cracked?
you have a chipped or cracked tooth that is causing pain then you may want to gather up the pieces of the tooth, wrap in wet gauze and see an emergency dentist. Rinse your mouth with clean, warm water and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
What to do if your gums won’t stop bleeding?
In the case where you have mouth bleeding that won’t stop, apply pressure with rolled up gauze, using clean hands and see a dentist as soon as possible.
What to do if you have a tooth abscess or infection?
In the case of a tooth abscess, use 1/2 a teaspoon of quality salt in 1/2 a glass of warm water and swish around your mouth for about 2 minutes. You can also apply a cold compress to the site in small intervals. Consider clove oil as it has anti-bacterial properties and may assist until you can see your dentist.
When major injuries have occurred it may be appropriate to call emergency at your local hospital who will advise if they need to see you or if you can go straight to your dentist for the emergency.
