Life is full of unexpected surprises. None of us wants to end up needing emergency dental care, but the reality is that some of us will. McMahons Point Dental wants to make sure you know how to approach dental emergencies in the unhappy event that they do occur.
We have put together a handy guide for what to do in an emergency situation.
What to Do First
If you are suffering from unusual or acute pain relating to your teeth, the first thing you should do is seek help from a qualified professional. McMahons Point Dental is open 8am- 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am- 5pm Saturdays. After business hours, you can call our emergency number which is provided on our answering message.
Dental Accidents
If you have lost a tooth due to an accident or a fall, there are a few things worth remembering. Avoid touching the root of the tooth, as this can cause further damage and lessen the likelihood of having it successfully put back in place. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk or, if you don’t have milk, a mild salt water solution or fresh water. Limit the time it is spent in the fluid you have available and avoid scrubbing it. If possible, put the tooth back in the socket or, at least, in the mouth.
Don’t push too hard because you will risk damaging the gum tissue. If it cannot be reinserted, place the tooth (or parts of the tooth) in milk and seek emergency dental attention as quickly as possible.
Neglect of a Specific Issue
Sometimes, we let a particular problem linger without immediately seeking help. If an ongoing problem suddenly worsens, seek help immediately rather than trying to wait it out. When consulting with your dental practitioner, be as precise as you can about the development of the problem. While it can seem embarrassing to admit that you’ve let a problem go on unattended, realise that the dental professional is there to fix the problem, not to cast judgement. Dr Toulmin wants to see her patients restored to full health as quickly as possible.
McMahons Point Dental has a team of experienced and efficient professionals who can readily assess and devise solutions to emergency dental situations. In the event of an emergency, contact us immediately!