A dental emergency often occurs when you least expect it, but it pays to be prepared. Whether it’s a sudden onset of tooth pain, a child knocking out a tooth at school, or a lost filling, dental emergencies have a way of taking us by surprise.
When these situations arise, seeking immediate dental care is a top priority, and that’s where Performance Dental can step in to provide support and expert emergency dental care.
With our same-day emergency appointments, you can count on us to be there for you and your loved ones during those unexpected dental crises.
Here are some common dental emergencies that you may face, and the immediate actions to take.
Toothache
If you have a persistent toothache, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water and applying a cold compress to your cheek to alleviate any swelling. For non-prescription pain relief options, consult with your pharmacist for appropriate options.
If the pain continues, it could be a sign of an underlying infection, so prompt dental care is advisable. It’s important not to ignore a toothache and hope that it will go away, as it can lead to potential complications and worsening pain.
Abscess or infection
An abscess is essentially a concentrated infection that develops either at the root of a tooth or in the gap between your teeth and gums. When not addressed quickly, an abscess or infection can lead to harm in neighbouring tissues and teeth. In severe instances, it may even spread further, posing a potential risk to your life, so it is important that you see us as soon as possible.
Broken or chipped tooth
A chipped or fractured tooth can result in discomfort, particularly when the nerves are exposed or if there are sharp edges from the break.
To address this, begin by rinsing your mouth gently with warm water. If you notice any swelling, applying a soothing ice pack or cold compress to your face can provide relief. It’s advisable to visit our practice promptly, where we’ll make every effort to swiftly restore your smile.
A knocked-out tooth
When you lose a tooth during sport or your child gets it knocked out at school, receiving prompt dental attention is of utmost importance.
If you find yourself in a situation where a tooth has been lost, take care to handle it delicately, holding it by the crown rather than the root. It is advisable to refrain from vigorously scrubbing or trying to remove any attached tissue fragments.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse the tooth in milk or saliva, avoiding the use of water. If it’s an adult tooth, place it back in its socket. If it’s a baby tooth, do NOT place it in the socket. Instead, place it in a small container of milk or in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
It’s very important that you visit at dentist as soon as possible to maximise the chances of saving your tooth.
Lost crown or filling
When a filling or crown becomes dislodged, it leaves your tooth exposed and vulnerable, making it extra sensitive to hot and cold foods.
To address this issue promptly, we recommend reaching out to Performance Dental without delay to schedule the replacement of your crown or filling.
When to head to hospital instead
While we are equipped to assist with the most common dental emergency cases, certain situations necessitate immediate medical attention.
If you are encountering severe swelling in your face, jaw, or throat or find it challenging to open your jaw, it is imperative that you promptly seek care at your nearest hospital. These symptoms may signify a serious condition that requires a visit to hospital instead.
Emergency dental care at Performance Dental
We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful. Rest assured, our experienced team is well-prepared to handle various dental emergency scenarios, so please do not hesitate to contact us.
To book an emergency appointment, please call us on 07 3210 6700. Our dental practice is located in the Queen Street Mall, with complimentary parking provided at Uptown (previously Myer Centre parking).
