Emergency Dental
Care

A dental emergency can be any dental problem that is in need of immediate treatment in order to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth. Severe infections in the mouth and gums are also considered a dental emergency since they can be life-threatening if they are not treated quickly.

The first thing you should do is contact us. If we are able to fit you in for a same day appointment, then we will book it for you. If not, we will direct you to somewhere that you can receive the care you need.

Proper oral care is the first step to avoiding dental emergencies involving tooth pain or bleeding that is caused by tooth decay or a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. That means brushing twice daily and flossing before bed. To avoid dental emergencies involving broken, cracked, or lost teeth, take the following precautions:

• See your dentist regularly for checkups and dental cleanings.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or participating in recreational activities.
• Don’t chew rock solid foods like ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy.
• Use scissors to cut things. Never use your teeth to open anything.

If the pain you are experiencing is unbearable and seems like it is spreading along your jaw or neck, or if your mouth is bleeding and won’t stop, then you should head to the closest emergency room for treatment. Once the immediate problem has been dealt with, it is important that you follow up with your dentist to discuss the incident and have them conduct an assessment to see if further treatment is needed.

If you are experiencing unbearable tooth pain and can’t see your dentist right away, there are a few things you can try to soothe the pain until you are able to get to the clinic.

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water.
• Gently floss to remove food or plaque between your teeth.
• Apply a cold compress to your cheek

If your tooth is ever knocked out, try retrieving the tooth immediately wherever it has fallen out. Rinse the root of the tooth with water as soon as possible if it’s dirty. Ensure you hold it by the crown. Be gentle with the root and do not scrub off any tissue fragments.

If possible, try and put the tooth back in place (without forcing it in) making sure it’s facing the right direction. If it’s not possible, store the tooth in milk until you book an emergency dental appointment with the emergency dental experts at Pretoria Bridge dental.