Dental Emergencies: What you need to know
Dental emergencies can happen at any time and often require prompt attention to prevent complications. At Tooth Art Dental Centre, we understand the urgency of dental health and are committed to providing timely care during our operating hours. Here’s what you need to know about managing dental emergencies and the services we offer to ensure you receive the help you need.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are situations that pose immediate risks to your oral health or overall well-being. Some examples include:
- Dental injuries due to accidents or trauma: Concussed, loosened, fractured, or knocked-out teeth, lacerations or cuts to the lips, tongue, cheeks or oral soft tissues, fractured or broken jaws.
- Uncontrolled bleeding: Post-extraction or after a dental surgical procedure, uncontrolled bleeding from the oral cavity should be addressed promptly.
- Severe swelling: Swelling with facial asymmetry or swelling that interferes with breathing requires immediate attention.
- Severe uncontrolled Pain: Persistent and severe pain that does not respond to painkillers may indicate a more serious underlying issue such as tooth fracture or tooth abscess.
When Can a Dental Emergency Wait?
Not all dental emergencies require immediate treatment. Some situations can be managed at home temporarily until you see your dentist. However, it is important to monitor the condition closely and seek professional care as soon as possible. Here are some common dental issues that can wait for a scheduled appointment, along with temporary management tips:
1. Mild Toothaches: Dull or intermittent pain without swelling or fever.
Temporary Management:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and soothe irritation.
- Floss gently to remove any trapped food that might be causing discomfort.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed.
- Avoid extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods that may trigger pain.
2. Chipped or Cracked Tooth (No Pain or Sharp Edges): Minor enamel damage without exposure of the inner tooth (dentin or pulp).
Temporary Management:
- Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- If there is a rough or sharp edge, cover it with dental or orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. Schedule an appointment with a dentist to evaluate the damage.
3. Cracked Filling or Dislodged Crown (No Pain): Missing restoration but no severe sensitivity or pain.
Temporary Management:
- Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water.
- Avoid chewing on that side until you see your dentist.
- Keep the dislodged crown and bring it along for your dental appointment.
4. Poking wire, loose bracket/ band/ wire and general soreness arising from orthodontic treatment :
Temporary Management:
- Poking wire: Use a clean cotton bud to press the poking wire down. Alternatively, using clean fingers, roll a small amount of orthodontic wax to cover over the poking wire. Ensure the braces area is dry before putting on the wax. Replace when necessary.
- Loose bracket (bonded onto tooth) : If the module (elastic ligature) is still securely holding the bracket onto the wire, the orthodontic appliance remains functional and can wait till the earliest scheduled appointment. If the bracket has become loose and detached from the tooth and module is absent, gently remove and keep the bracket for the earliest scheduled repair appointment.
- Loose band (metal ring around the tooth): If the band is still attached to the wire, with clean fingers and ensure the braces area is dry, apply orthodontic wax over the wire to secure it and prevent irritation temporarily. This will also help to keep the loose band in place. If the wire is dislodged from the loose band (loose wire), use a clean tweezer to push the wire back into the band slot first before applying wax over it. However, if that is not possible, apply the orthodontic wax on the end of the wire to alleviate irritation and remove the band for reattachment. Call the clinic to schedule an appointment to see your orthodontist soonest possible.
- General soreness: Depending on individuals, it is normal to experience general soreness or dull arching sensation to biting pressures after each review visit. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days as teeth adjust to the new positioning forces. Apply orthodontic wax onto the part of braces that is causing discomfort or irritation to your inner lips or cheeks. Over-the-counter medications like Panadol or Ibuprofen can help to alleviate the aching sensation. Call the clinic to schedule an appointment to see your orthodontist if pain is unbearable.
Emergency Dental Care at Tooth Art Dental Centre
Steps to take in a dental emergency:
- Contact our dental practice immediately:
Call us at 63336967 or WhatsApp us if it is not possible to call, to inform us of your situation. Our team will guide you on the next steps to take before arriving at the clinic.
- Protect the affected area: For knocked-out teeth, preserve the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution and bring it to the clinic within 30 minutes to an hour. For injuries causing bleeding, use clean gauze to apply pressure.
- Visit our dental practice: Timely treatment is crucial to address the emergency and prevent complications.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
- Regular Checkups: Routine dental examinations and cleanings can help identify and address potential problems early on.
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss twice daily, and use mouthwash as directed.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from impact.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from biting into hard objects like ice, nuts, or candy.
- Avoid Sticky and Sugary Foods: This is particularly important for individuals with leave-on orthodontic appliances. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can get trapped around the brackets and wires, increasing the risk of breakage or dislodging orthodontic components. Sugary foods such as candies and soft drinks promote plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay and white spot lesions around the brackets.
Commitment to Quality Care
At Tooth Art Dental Centre, your health and well-being are our priority. By educating our patients and offering prompt attention, we aim to support your dental health journey with compassion and expertise. If you have questions or need assistance with a dental emergency, do contact us or visit our website for the range of dental services we provide. Stay safe, and remember that timely action is key in managing dental emergencies effectively.
