Dental Emergencies

Nobody likes dental emergencies, and just the thought of it is enough to make our skin crawl. Here at Abbotsford Dental, we know that accidents can happen anywhere and at any time and that a sudden burst of pain or complication resulting from an undiagnosed infection can render you sleepless, irritable, and in a constant state of suffering.

Then, of course, there are always nasty accidents that have completely damaged your teeth and mouth and perhaps even broken or knocked some of your precious teeth out.

Luckily, during these distressing and unforeseen times, the Abbotsford Dental Clinic is ready to help you almost immediately. As your local emergency dentist, we allow for spaces during our regular schedule in which are specifically allocated for emergencies, so booking in for a quick and unexpected appointment when you need one isn’t too much of a problem.

Again, things happen.

Be it an annoying toothache that has steadily become worse, a tooth or teeth that have been knocked out or broken on the sporting field, or a dislodged crown or cap or unsettled filling, our team of experienced and dedicated dentists in collingwood are always here, ready, and motivated to relieve you of any extreme dental pain and discomfort. If you need an emergency dentist in Melbourne, our senior specialists will look after you from the moment you walk in, intending to restore your smile to what it once was.

What is classified as a dental emergency?

Generally speaking, a dental emergency can be classified as any situation that involves facial bone trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, severe toothache, and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your local emergency dentist as soon as possible. Dental problems come in two main classifications: urgent dental procedures and emergency dental care.

Urgent dental procedures are not as time-sensitive as emergency dental care. When you are trying to classify what situations would be considered as a dental emergency, you must be experiencing symptoms that can negatively affect your daily life.

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies:

• Fractured jawline
• Lost filling
• Injuries affecting your gums
• Partially dislodged tooth
• Abscess

These are some of the most common signs where you will need to seek immediate dental care for your condition. As always, it is best for you to speak with your local emergency dentist who will help you identify what type of assistance you need.

In the case of an emergency, what can I do in the interim?

Depending on the nature of your emergency, there are things you as the patient can strive to do or have others do for you to minimise the damage and pain moving forward.

Below are some of them:

• If you have had your teeth knocked out or have lost a single tooth, the first thing you should do is locate it and keep it moist. You should also try to place the teeth back into the affected socket and avoid touching the root as much as possible. In certain instances, this won’t be a possibility or something you even want to fathom, so placing your tooth or teeth in milk will go a long way in maintaining their structure and overall health. After this, it is imperative to seek dental advice and immediately visit the Abbotsford Dental clinic to begin the appropriate treatment.
• With a cracked tooth, warm water to clean the area and rinse the tooth is something you can easily apply and minimise the pain. Once you have adequately rinsed and cleaned the area, make a cold compress and place it on the affected area to help with the subsequent swelling and inflammation.
• A prevalent problem that doesn’t directly affect your teeth is a bitten tongue. Everyone has done it at some stage, either by rushing their food or just by way of a clumsy mistake, and if you find yourself in significant pain or are even bleeding; as a result, you can simply clean the area gently with water and apply an ice pack.
• For any toothache, no matter the severity, we suggest you rinse your mouth with warm water & clean anything out that may be lodged in your teeth or the surrounding area. At Abbotsford Dental, we also recommend using dental floss to gently remove any food caught in your teeth that may further your pain.
• Ultimately, for any immediate dental care in the Abbotsford, Clifton Hill, Richmond, Kew or Fitzroy areas, it is vitally essential you call us as soon as possible.

Tips to avoid the unpleasantness of dental emergencies

Trauma and accidental contact resulting in a dental emergency can be unavoidable. After all, the word ‘accident’ implies as much. No one plans to be hit in the face or lose their teeth, but preventive and precautionary measures can reduce the risk. At Abbotsford Dental, we recommend wearing a mouthguard, no matter the age bracket or type of sport involved. A sturdy and properly fitted guard will secure your teeth, even in the event of heavy, unforeseen contact.

When it comes to cracks and dental fixtures being displaced or damaged, there are ways to avoid these nasty issues. Cracked teeth, in particular, are often caused by certain foods such as hard lollies and nuts or ice blocks, so if you feel your teeth are perhaps not as strong as they once were, we urge you to be careful.

Facial swelling also requires immediate dental care. Swelling can happen due to various reasons, including blocked salivary glands, poor nutrition, particularly vitamin C deficiency, gingivitis and gum disease, and oral cancers. However, it can also indicate that a tooth has an abscess, especially if it is accompanied by pain and happened reasonably quickly. If this is the case, visit our clinic right away to address the root cause of the problem.

And, as a final point, and even though it may look impressive at a party, opening containers and plastic objects (or even beer bottles) with your teeth is a big no-no. Be safe, mindful, and vigilant when it comes to the safety of your teeth and gums, but in the event of an emergency, the Abbotsford Dental Clinic will be here when you need us.

Emergency Dental Care – Abbotsford Dental Clinic

Are you looking for an affordable dentist near Abbotsford? We are here to help. Book an appointment now! We also offer other services, including general dental services, dental implants, teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry.