A throbbing toothache or chipped tooth can leave you scrambling for fast pain relief and on the lookout for an emergency dental care who can see you the same day. Knowing what to do first can help you to save your smile and minimize both the time and costs involved in repairing your tooth.
When Should You Call a Dental Care?
If you’re in too much pain to go to work or school
The broken tooth is visible, causing aesthetic concerns
There is swelling or bleeding
You’re unable to eat
A tooth is chipped or completely knocked out
Common Dental Emergencies
Here are some of the most frequent types of dental emergencies that we see at The Dental Practice Ipswich and what you should do if they’ve happened to you:
Dental Abscess —
A small pimple on the gums next to a tooth is called a fistula. This area of swelling and drainage is due to an infection inside of the root of the tooth; it may be completely asymptomatic or relatively painful. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and arrange to have an exam at your earliest convenience. A root canal will be necessary before the infection spreads into adjacent structures. You can also opt to get the tooth extracted.
Chipped or Knocked-Out Tooth —
Early action is the most crucial step in treating broken or avulsed teeth. First, apply a compress to the area to minimize any bleeding. Second, locate the missing tooth or fragment and store it in a container, submerged in milk or contact solution (tap water will work if there is nothing else available). Third, see an emergency dentist within the hour to reinsert the tooth or bond the fragment back into place.
A chipped tooth may be due to caries undermining the tooth and then under pressure the tooth chips or crumbles. This tooth may need a filling only if the caries or defect is not involving the pulp(nerve). You should see your Emergency dentist soon so that the insult to nerve(pulp) is avoided.
Broken Filling or Crown —
If you feel a sizeable rough area or a loose restoration, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, as it could cause your tooth to break apart even more. Arrange to see our Emergency dentist the same day if possible. Should your crown come out completely, store it in a zip-top bag and bring it with you.
Swelling —
Facial swelling can be indicative of a severe dental infection. If not treated quickly, it could lead to medical emergencies that require hospitalization. Contact our office immediately or head to the nearest emergency room if the swelling is severe.
Sometimes the Emergency Dentist can drain an abscess via the root canal or the gums to relieve the pressure. In many cases you may still need to have IV anti biotics at the hospital with or without a drainage of abscess.