No one ever expects a dental emergency but when it happens, it can definitely put the brakes on a good time. Broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth can lead to significant consequences if not addressed as soon as possible, which is why your emergency dentist in Melbourne is offering the necessary steps to make sure the outcome of your emergency is a good one.
With these steps in mind, handling dental emergencies that either you or your family member experience will be nice and simple.
Step #1: Contact Your Dentist
Not only can you schedule an appointment, you can also ask any questions you may have and get advice on your particular situation. You’ll likely be connected with a staff member responsible for giving advice on dental emergencies rather than your dentist in Melbourne. They may ask you questions like:
- Is the tooth still intact?
- Has the tooth been completely knocked-out?
- Is there significant bleeding?
- Can you come in today for an appointment?
Alternatively, you should leave a voicemail describing your emergency and ask for an appointment. The dental staff will try to get you in as soon as possible.
Step #2: Assess the Damage
If the tooth has completely come out of the socket, try to find it. Avoid touching it by the root as this area needs to be salvaged for reimplantation. Pick it up by the crown and gently rinse it off with cold water. Do not use any oral hygiene products or soap to clean the area. Avoid removing any of the damaged tissue that may still be attached. The best way to preserve the tooth is to place it back into the socket and hold it in place with gauze. You can also keep it inside a container filled with milk, saline solution, or saliva.
If only pieces of the tooth are left, keep them in a safe place to show your dentist. Avoid applying pressure to that side of the mouth until you see him.
Step #3: Stop the Bleeding
Use gentle pressure to stop any bleeding. Biting down on a clean gauze pad or cloth will help reduce it. If bleeding doesn’t slow down, you may need to go to the emergency room before seeing your dentist.
To reduce any swelling or inflammation, apply a cold compress to the cheek in 20-minute intervals. This means applying pressure for 20 minutes, then removing the compress for an additional 20 minutes.
Step #4: Pain Management
A broken or avulsed tooth is typically quite painful, so over-the-counter medications such as Motrin or Advil will help reduce it. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the damaged area as this can cause a burning sensation and exacerbate the problem.
In most cases, your emergency dentist in Melbourne can see you the same day for treatment. To find out what to expect during your emergency visit, schedule an appointment with him today and get treated!
About the Author
Dr. Cedric Chenet earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University. He’s also served as a dental office in the U.S. Air Force, which exposed him to unique dental emergencies all over the world. To learn more about his practice or his dental restorations, contact him at (321) 253-3136 or visit his website.