How often do you think about your teeth? While you might brush twice a day, outside of that, you likely don’t think about them until there’s a problem. Although some dental problems are minor and don’t need immediate attention, other problems are considered dental emergencies and require immediate attention.
Dental emergencies usually happen when we least expect them. In addition to regular dental visits and at-home care, it’s important that you have a dentist that can treat a variety of dental emergencies. But how do you know when you need an emergency dentist in Bundoora? Read on to learn more about the most common types of dental emergencies and when you need to take immediate action.
Infection
When left untreated, tooth decay increases the risk of infection. If this occurs, you can experience severe pain in the affected tooth and in adjacent teeth. You may experience swelling as well. If bacteria enters your bloodstream, infection can quickly spread to other parts of your body. Since this can lead to life-threatening complications, it’s important to see an emergency dentist in Bundoora for immediate attention. Holding an ice pack against your jaw and taking over-the-counter pain medication may offer temporary pain relief.
Knocked Out Teeth
Knocking out one or more of your teeth is also a dental emergency. If this happens, you need to seek emergency dental treatment. If it’s within a reasonable amount of time, your dentist can usually reimplant the tooth. Just make sure to bring the tooth with you to the dentist, make sure not to touch the exposed roots. Try to reinsert it into the socket. If you’re unable to do this, either wrap the tooth in wet gauze or place it a cup of milk.
Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth are also considered a dental emergency. Even if the crack is minimal, bacteria can easily enter a tooth, putting you at risk of infection. If you notice a crack in your tooth, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and contact your dentist. An emergency dentist in Bundoora can preserve your tooth and also reduce the risk of infection.
Lost Crown
When waiting for a permanent crown placement, it’s not uncommon to lose a temporary crown. If this happens, you can attempt to put the crown back in place by applying a very small amount of toothpaste or denture glue. Avoid clamping your jaw down too hard or it may fall out again. Keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix, so you need to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can occur for many reasons. Whether you’ve sustained an injury, you suffer from TMJ or you possibly have a dental infection, it warrants a trip to the dentist. Jaw injuries can affect the way you open and close your mouth, making it impossible to chew your food adequately. If you develop jaw pain that doesn’t resolve on its own, or if you suffer a jaw injury, you should seek emergency dental care. Your dentist will identify the cause of the problem and treat the issue accordingly.
