Emergency Dentist in Wantirna
Treat dental emergencies at Studfield Dental
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, making it important to seek immediate professional care as soon as possible. At Studfield Dental Group, we treat every dental emergency with the utmost seriousness and strive to provide relief right away.
What Are The Dental Emergencies We Treat?
Dental emergencies can be of various natures, from dental infections and extreme swellings associated with fever, to dislodged fillings causing major sensitivity and much more. If you have any of the following dental emergencies, we advise that you come and see us right away:
Dental pain
In general, toothaches can be divided into two categories: peri-radicular pain, which starts in the bone or gums around teeth, and odontogenic pain, which starts in the dental nerve or pulp.
Odontogenic or tooth pain can be either acute or persistent. An infection of the dental nerve can result in internal swelling and excruciating pain in acute situations. Due to the pressure build-up, this can result in severe pulpitis and a pus-filled abscess that is extremely painful.
Although chronic pulpitis is less painful, pus can drain when it becomes suddenly worse. As the intensity of the pain in both situations is high, you should see a dentist right away.
At SDG, we will find the source of pain and relieve the pressure from the pus accumulation, while treating the source of infection and medicating you.
Peri-radicular pain is an infection in the tissues supporting your teeth, such as the gums and bones. It can infect the tooth and cause severe pain upon biting or pressure, sometimes forming pus and mimicking dental pain.
DENTAL TRAUMA
If your tooth has chipped, cracked or been dislodged from the mouth, this is considered dental trauma and requires immediate attention. Chipped teeth can cause severe sensitivity whereas cracked or broken teeth can cause the nerve to get exposed and also cause severe pain along with infection of the nerve within.
A complete tooth impact can occasionally result from unintentional falls or injuries, which can cause the tooth to become loose in its socket or even fall out completely. In such a situation, gently pick up your tooth and place it in either milk, normal saline or within the mouth, soaked in your saliva to protect the fibres on your tooth’s root. Visit us at SDG Dental within the hour, and we’ll be able to reposition the tooth back into its socket and splint it immediately. The sooner action is taken, the better the chances of saving your teeth!
SOFT TISSUE INJURY
Profuse or uncontrollable bleeding from your gums, lips, cheeks or tongue can be a sign of gum disease or trauma. These injuries can occur from your own accidental bites or from other physical forces. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area. Contact our dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation to stop the excessive blood loss.
DISLODGED RESTORATIONS (FILLINGS, CROWNS & VENEERS)
A broken filling can be rather uncomfortable as a large portion of your tooth is now hollow, allowing cold or hot beverages to cause sensitivity and pain along with food impaction. Dental fillings are meant to restore your tooth structure and protect the underlying nerve. So, a dislodged filling would mean the protective cover is gone, resulting in the tooth hurting moderately or severely.
Similarly, sometimes dental crowns are placed over teeth that have large fillings to protect the remaining tooth from breakage. So, when a crown or even a veneer falls off, the trimmed tooth surface gets exposed, causing extreme sensitivity and pain.
ACUTE ORAL INFECTIONS
Diffused swellings spreading across the soft tissues of your face and jaw are known as cellulitis and can also be associated with fever. These could be caused by a sudden infection spreading from the gum or tooth and require immediate medication.
At SDG Dental, our emergency team would have to open the tooth or swollen tissue inside the mouth and let the pus drain in order to relieve internal pressure if the tooth causing the cellulitis had an active infection with an abscess forming. This is usually very helpful and you will feel relief quite immediately after the incision and drainage.
A rather life-threatening condition known as Ludwig’s Angina can occur if you have a dental infection from an impacted wisdom tooth or a tooth with a large cavity. This swelling is located at the base of your mouth and can enlarge to the point of blocking your airway. It is crucial that you visit SDG Dental immediately so that an incision and drainage can be performed to relieve the swelling and quite literally, save your life!
Are you looking for the best emergency dentist in Wantirna? We are open 8am - 9pm on weekdays, 8am - 5pm on Saturdays
PERICORONITIS
This condition is caused by infection and swelling of the tissues surrounding erupting teeth, usually the wisdom teeth. It is rather painful since you may have difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing fluids. It can even cause trismus (difficulty opening the jaws) making the discomfort worse. In extreme or prolonged periods of time without treatment, fever and malaise can also occur. You would need to start medication immediately, and we will wash out and treat the infected area to allow it to heal before removing the causative wisdom tooth.
POST-EXTRACTION DRY SOCKET
An excruciatingly painful condition called dry socket can occur after a tooth extraction, especially after a wisdom tooth extraction. This condition occurs if blood doesn’t clot properly after the surgery or if there is too much bleeding or haemorrhage. Either way, a dry socket cannot be treated with over-the-counter medication and requires medical attention from our emergency dentists.
The above-mentioned conditions are only some of the many dental emergencies you could face. Other dental emergencies include broken orthodontic appliances, implant fixtures, dentures or in the worst case, accidentally choking on a broken fragment of a dental appliance.
Please do not hesitate to visit a dentist when you are in pain. Just rush over to SDG Dental and let our team of experienced emergency dentists take care of you! Your quality of life and improved oral health are our top priorities!
What to do in a Dental Emergency
In a dental emergency, it is important to take quick and appropriate action. Here’s what you can do:
- Make a quick call to our clinic to schedule an emergency appointment. The sooner the better so treatment within the day can make a big difference for recovery.
- If there’s bleeding from your gums or mouth, use a clean cloth or gauze and apply gentle pressure.
- If there’s any facial swelling, apply a cold compress.
- If you get a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove any trapped debris.
- For a knocked-out tooth, try to place the tooth back in its socket and keep it moist until you come to the clinic.
- For a chipped or broken tooth, save any broken pieces and rinse your mouth with warm water. Do not try to glue it together with super glue! OTP dental cement or denture adhesive is recommended for steps if getting to the dentist is delayed.
WAYS TO AVOID DENTAL EMERGENCIES
- Maintain a proper dental hygiene routine at home. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once a day.
- Visit the dentist for regular dental checkups and professional cleanings every 6 months.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open or cut things.
- Wear custom-made mouthguards to protect your teeth if you play high-contact sports.
- Avoid food and drinks that contain high amounts of sugar and acids.
Why Choose SDG Dental in Wantirna
Choosing SDG Dental can provide you with high-quality dental care, prompt treatment and peace of mind knowing that your oral health is in the capable hands of skilled professionals.
- Highly skilled and experienced dentists
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Patient-focused approach
- Personalised treatment plans
- A wide range of comprehensive dental services such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, emergency dentistry, family dentistry and laser dentistry.
Your smile deserves the best — Call us today to make an appointment.
