MIDWAY DENTAL CLINIC

Emergency Dentistry

MIDWAY DENTAL CLINIC

Emergency Dentistry

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MIDWAY DENTAL CLINIC

Emergency Dentistry at Midway Dental Clinic

Midway Dental Clinic is considered a leading emergency dental care provider in Sydney as we are available 24/7. All our dentists understand a dental emergency needs to be quickly addressed and so it is our policy to provide a same-day appointment for all dental emergencies and support you with follow-up care and consults.

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Knowing what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you act quickly and get the necessary care to prevent further damage or pain. In this guide, we will explain what a dental emergency is, common types of dental emergencies, and what to do if you experience one.

A dental emergency can include:

What is a dental emergency?

What to do in a dental emergency?

Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you get the care you need when it matters most. If you are ever unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it’s better to err on the side of caution and contact your dentist. Prompt treatment can make a big difference in saving your teeth and relieving pain.

Step 1: Stay Calm

Dental emergencies can be stressful. Staying calm will help you think clearly and take the right steps.

Step 2: Contact Your Dentist

Call us immediately and explain the situation. We will advise you on the next steps and where to go.

Step 3: Take Immediate Action

Follow any instructions given by us and use basic first aid, such as applying cold compresses for swelling or keeping a knocked-out tooth moist.

Step 4: Avoid Certain Foods and Activities

Until you can see a dentist, avoid chewing on the affected area and stick to soft foods. Don’t use aspirin directly on your teeth or gums, as it can cause more irritation.

Pain

Pain can be very distressing and causes irritability, an inability to sleep, triggers to hot and/or cold food/drink and can sometimes radiate towards other parts of the jaw, face and neck. We highly recommend all types of pain be treated and will ensure appropriate testing and digital radiographs are carried out so we can determine the source of the pain and manage related symptoms. We always strive to follow up with either a call or second appointment to ensure you are pain-free and comfortable.

Swelling

Swelling can be very concerning and is usually attributed to an infection or internal bleeding. Swelling of the gum, cheek or neck can go hand in hand with pain and lead to difficulty in opening your mouth and/or swallowing. It is very important to seek immediate attention to avoid further swelling and possible life-threatening situations.

Headaches

Headaches and/or migraines are more often overlooked from a dental standpoint. However, teeth clenching and/or grinding is one of the major contributors to headaches and migraines. For the teeth to be in constant contact and pressure with each other, we need to engage a whole set of cheek, temple and neck muscles. This can set our muscles into overdrive and eventually give us constant, unrelenting pain in the head and neck region. We offer very targeted treatments for these cases including splint therapy (night-guard), MAS (Mandibular Advancement Splint for Sleep Apnoea-related issues) and injectable medications (muscle-relaxants).

Difficulty in opening jaw or swallowing

Difficulty in opening jaw or swallowing is generally caused by swelling, wisdom teeth infection, teeth clenching and/or grinding or trauma. This can interfere with our standard lifestyle habits like eating, brushing and talking. We will take the time to understand the cause of this and provide you with both at-home remedies and appropriate treatments.

MIDWAY DENTAL CLINIC

Dental trauma

Dental trauma can be very disheartening and cases where teeth have been knocked out need to be appropriately managed. Please refer to our flowchart to help you manage any of the following situations:

Tooth chipped or cracked?

Tooth knocked out?

Tooth NOT knocked out but is mispositioned?

Chipped or cracked teeth

Chipped or cracked teeth may not always be accompanied with pain but still need to be addressed to avoid further damage, loss of tooth/teeth and pain. Treatments generally involve a tooth filling or dental crown which come in various materials depending on the location within the mouth.

What are some of the more common dental emergencies?

Severe Toothache
A sudden, intense toothache can be a sign of an infection or other serious dental issue. If pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, it’s important to seek immediate care. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain until you see us.

Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out due to an accident or injury, quick action is crucial. Try to place the tooth back into its socket without touching the root. If that is not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and see us immediately. Please refer to our Dental Trauma Guidelines above.

Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, and damage to the inner parts of the tooth. Save any pieces of the tooth if possible and rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and contact us as soon as possible.

Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling or crown falls out, it can expose the tooth to further damage and pain. Try to keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Save the crown if you can and contact us to have it repaired or replaced.

Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is a serious infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. It is often visible as a painful bump on the gums. An abscess needs immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and contact us right away.

Severe Bleeding
Bleeding gums from brushing or flossing is usually not an emergency, but severe bleeding from an injury, surgery, or unknown cause needs immediate attention. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and seek emergency dental care if the bleeding doesn’t stop.

Injury to the Mouth or Jaw
Any trauma to the mouth, teeth, or jaw can be a dental emergency, especially if it causes broken teeth, severe pain, or difficulty moving your jaw. A fractured jaw or displaced teeth require prompt treatment to prevent long-term damage.

Muscle Tension
Habitual teeth grinding and clenching during the day and night can strain the cheek, temporal and neck muscles and sometimes cause very acute pain. It is important to seek dental care as most cases can be treated with heat compress and specialised night-guards.

How to prevent a dental emergency?

Although not all dental emergencies can be foreseen, it is important to take into account some of the ways to prevent a dental emergency:

Wear a night-guard or mouth guard:
If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, a night-guard or mouth guard can protect your teeth from damage.

Regular Check-Ups:
Regular dental visits can help catch potential issues before they become emergencies.

Good Oral Hygiene:
Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily can help prevent cavities, infections, and gum disease.

MIDWAY DENTAL CLINIC

A Fully Accredited Practice

An accredited dental practice is one where the dental staff have successfully completed a strict set of health care standards that are in line with National Safety and Quality Heath Service Standards.