We know better than most—life happens, and that means you should expect the unexpected. Dealing with a dental emergency is not something anyone ever wants to do, but it happens—and when it does, we’re here for you.
At MyDental Rossmoyne, we’re proud to offer emergency dental services for life’s unexpected moments.
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, we recommend contacting our practice ASAP to schedule an appointment. If you’re bleeding or feeling incredibly unwell, please visit your local emergency room for prompt attention.
Handling Your Dental Emergency at Home
For some dental emergencies, there are immediate steps you can take for relief and care in the comfort of your own home, including:
- Toothaches: If you’re experiencing a toothache, we recommend applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth. You can also try rinsing your mouth out with salt water or taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen.
- Chipped teeth: If you chip a tooth, try to collect all of the pieces that you can find. Store your chipped tooth in milk if possible. If you experience swelling, apply an ice pack to your cheek.
- Knocked out tooth: Common in both children and adults or those who play sports, a knocked-out tooth can be a scary thing. Should this happen to you, pick up the tooth, handling it only by the upper area instead of the root. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket in your mouth after rinsing it in saliva or milk.
- Oral bleeding: If you’re bleeding inside of your mouth, try rinsing it first with a salt water mixture. After, apply a clean gauze to the area with pressure. If bleeding continues, you may need to visit your local emergency room for stitches.
- Lost fillings: The easiest thing you can do until you’re able to see us is to place chewed, sugarless gum directly over the cavity. Over-the-counter dental cement can also be purchased at your local supermarket. In either instance, you should book a visit with us ASAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I visit the dentist or the hospital for my dental emergency?
If you are in severe pain or experiencing bleeding that won’t stop, you should visit an emergency room ASAP. For most other scenarios, including slight pain, chipped tooth, or toothache, promptly contact our practice so that we can schedule you for a visit as quickly as possible.
How long should I experience a toothache before visiting a dentist?
If you’re dealing with a toothache that’s lasting longer than 48 hours, we recommend scheduling a visit with our practice. Common culprits of a toothache may be infection, abscess, cavity, or trauma.
How can I avoid a dental emergency?
Though some emergencies may be unavoidable, including accidents, there are some ways you can avoid a dental emergency. Never use your teeth to open packages or bite non-food items as this can crack or break your tooth. In addition, if you play sports, you should always wear a custom-fit mouthguard to ensure proper protection of your teeth.