What Do I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency and Can’t Get To The Dentist?
This series of blogs is to help people to know what to do if something happens in their mouth and they can’t see a dentist. There will be a full range of questions from tooth pain to aesthetic issues. Links to tele-dentistry and a chance to discuss. This is particularly relevant in this time with restricted practice and potential lockdown in the advent of the COVID-19 virus.
In these unpredictable times, I want you to know that I am still here and ready to help. We are all trying to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and are staying at home to help flatten the curve. We can all find new ways to help each other. This series of blogs, I hope, will help alleviate any anxieties about dental problems that may occur. Remember I am only a phone call away. 😊
Dental Emergency 101:
What if my crown comes off?
First of all…Don’t panic! If you can, find and keep the crown. Next, give it a good scrub.
Tip: Put a tissue over the sink hole in case you drop it, they can be very slippery. You can also soak the crown in a medicated mouthwash to reduce the bacteria on it.
If there is no pain from the tooth, then you maybe best to keep the crown off especially if it is at the back of your mouth. If the tooth is sensitive then it may be best to try and put the crown back on. It is important that you clean around the remaining tooth with your toothbrush and some mouthwash before attempting this.
Make sure your hands are clean and see if you can place the crown back on the tooth. This can be hard so don’t try for too long, just give me a call. If it is too far back don’t try as it is important not to swallow or inhale the crown.
At the front of your mouth, If it goes back on and is loose, you can use a very very small piece of sugar free chewing gum to stabilise it. If it is loose and is at the back of your mouth, it is best to leave it out.
In all scenarios, just give me a call and I will arrange a time to see you.
Emergency Dental Service:
What if I have a toothache?
Please don’t ignore a toothache for longer than a day. It is important to give me a call so I can help you.
These are the questions I will be asking you, so have a think before you call.
- Is the pain not relieved by any pain killers?
- Is the tooth tender to hot or cold?
- Is the tooth tender to pressure?
- Does the pain keep me awake at night?
- Does the pain come back when the pain killers wear off?
- Is there any swelling of the gum around the tooth?
- Is there any swelling in the face?
- Do you feel generally unwell?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then I need to see you fairly quickly. If that is not possible then we will teleconference and I will prescribe some anti-biotics and stronger pain killers after consultation.
I hope this helps you to understand a little more. Please feel free to send us any questions you may have either by phone at (02) 8188 4520 or via the link below.
