Facing a dental emergency can be extremely stressful. Although they are not very common, dental emergencies can occur at any time. In some cases, they can cause extreme pain and discomfort and require immediate emergency dental care.

In this blog, we explain what to do in a dental emergency and outline the situations that require professional care.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is a situation involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, prevent infection, or save a tooth. Common dental emergencies include a broken tooth, a severe toothache, and wisdom tooth pain. They differ from routine dental issues, as they require prompt care to prevent complications.

When to go directly to the ER

Some dental emergencies require you to go to the emergency room immediately, including:

• Your injury involves the jaw or facial bones
• You are having trouble breathing
• You are having difficulties talking or swallowing
• There is a lot of blood going down your throat
• An adult tooth has fallen out

When to call an emergency dentist

In most cases, an emergency dentist will be able to help. The situations an emergency dentist can help with include:

• A knocked-out tooth where time is critical for restoration
• A severe toothache, especially if the dental pain disrupts sleep or is accompanied by a bad taste
• Signs of infection, such as facial or gum swelling and abscesses
• Broken, chipped or fractured tooth, particularly if the nerve is exposed
• Uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth
• Lost filling or crown

It’s important to see your dentist after a dental injury. With the right treatment, you can avoid long-term problems that impact your overall health.

Emergency dental first aid

When facing a dental emergency, it’s crucial to call a professional. However, there are a few things you can do at home for emergency dental first aid.

1. For a knocked-out tooth

Try to find the affected tooth if possible. Make sure you handle it very carefully and hold it by the crown (the part of the tooth that you can see in your mouth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it quickly in milk, saliva, or warm water before replacing it. Don’t scrub the tooth or soak it in water, as this can cause further damage. Try and place the tooth back in your gum and gently bite down on a clean piece of cloth

If you can’t put the tooth back in or only part of it has broken off, store it in a small amount of milk or saliva until you can get help to prevent it from drying out.

Make sure to call an emergency dentist as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

2. For toothache and dental pain

Try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or flossing gently to remove debris. You can also use a cold compress on your cheek or take over-the-counter pain relief before seeing an emergency dentist.

3. For swelling or abscesses

Place a cold compress against your face to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Make sure to wrap an ice pack in cloth before placing it against your skin.

Causes of dental emergencies and injuries

Dental injuries can result from a variety of situations, including falls, being hit in the face, accidents during sports, chewing hard foods, jaw fractures, or traffic accidents. Some occupations that involve physical risk or heavy machinery can also make dental trauma more likely, highlighting the importance of taking precautions in everyday activities and at work.

Preventing dental injuries

Certain activities carry a higher risk of dental injuries, so it’s essential to take protective measures. Wearing a well-fitted, custom-made mouthguard can help protect your teeth during activities such as off-road biking, skateboarding, rock climbing, white-water rafting, trampolining, boxing, football, basketball, squash, and hockey.

Mouthguards that are worn or damaged should be replaced, and your dentist can provide guidance on the best ways to prevent dental injuries.

Phoenix Road Dental emergency dental clinic

At Phoenix Road Dental Surgery, smiles are our mission, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get yours looking great again. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. We offer emergency dentist appointments and an after-hours emergency care service to provide fast relief when you need it most.

Call us immediately on (08) 9434 1235 or book an appointment online, and our friendly team will be happy to help