Will It Hurt?
A guide to what to expect during a dental emergency
The Emergency Dentist Sydney has had patients that described their dental pain as the worst pain they’ve ever experienced. The key to minimising any pain experienced is to not delay treatment as chances are it won’t get better on its own. Here we go into the different reasons you may find yourself in our emergency dentist’s chair.
A guide to what to expect during a dental emergency
The Emergency dentist has had patients describe their dental pain as the worst pain they’ve ever experienced. The key to minimising any pain experienced is to not delay treatment as chances are it won’t get better on its own. Here, we go into the different reasons you may find yourself in our emergency dentist’s chair.
What are my treatment options for dental pain?
The treatment options available for dental pain are:
Removal of the tooth or Extractions
Fillings
Gum Treatment or Periodontal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
We will need to discuss your dental history and examine you first in order to determine the cause of the pain before treating you. This may involve x-rays and other tests on your mouth, gums, jaw, throat, or sinuses.
Why does dental pain occur and what causes it?
Tooth pain is a condition that can be caused by many different factors. The top three major causes of tooth pain include:
Tooth Decay: Occurs when the bacteria has reached the roots of the teeth resulting in an abscess.
Fractured Tooth or Filling: An exposed nerve can cause an abscess as well as excruciating dental pain.
Gum Disease: There are many ways gum disease can cause tooth pain, especially if left untreated and it develops into periodontitis.
In order to find out the cause a quick examination of your mouth will need to be performed.
Dental Emergency Treatment Tips
For Toothache & Pain
Dental emergencies require immediate action to ensure the best possible outcomes. Contact Us so we can help determine your dental emergency. After you have spoken with us and before we see you, there are a few things you can do (Note: Do not consume alcohol or illicit drugs to relieve pain).
Aching tooth, teeth, gums and mouth
Rinse out your mouth with warm water to cleanse it. Take an anti-inflammatory such as Neurofen to relieve some of the pain. Do not apply aspirin directly.
Object stuck in gums or teeth
Gently try and remove the object then apply pressure with a soft cloth once remove. Alternatively, try gently flossing the area.
Bleeding gums, lips and mouth
Clean the area gently with warm water then apply a cold pack or other cold compress.
Severed gums, lips and mouth
Rinse your mouth out with warm water to cleanse it then apply pressure with a cloth to the area.
Do I need to see a dentist about a toothache?
Yes. If the pain is severe, has come on suddenly, has lasted more than a day, you have a fever, you have other pain associated with your toothache, such as an earache, you should contact us to relieve your pain and treat the problem. Whatever your dental condition turns out to be, it is best to seek treatment before such things as infection start to spread or permanent damage is caused to your mouth or gums.
We will determine the cause, take action to prevent the spread of infection or other permanent damage to your mouth, teeth or gums and then treat your condition.
Will I need pain relief after treatment?
This really depends on the type of treatment you’ve received. For infections, the treatment performed is often enough to relieve the pain where antibiotics are also administered. For treatment of conditions other than infections a few pain relief solutions are:
Local anaesthesia, which is used for simpler procedures such as fillings and root canals.
Happy gas, which can alleviate pain and anxiety during most types of dental procedures.
IV sedation, which is most commonly used for more complex procedures such as wisdom teeth extractions.
Oral sedation, which is used most often for anxious patients.
Can toothache or other dental pain be prevented?
Yes. Regular and proper care of your teeth, such as daily brushing and flossing, are the best ways to ensure you don’t experience sudden dental pain, resulting in the need for emergency dentistry.
Patients who regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and properly take care of their teeth rarely find themselves needing emergency dentistry. There may be no signs at all that your teeth or a tooth may be deteriorating or in need of dental care, which is why prevention is your best option. Visiting your Dentist every 3 to 6 months will allow us to see the potential problems you may not even feel or see.
Need Advice Or Emergency Dental Care In Sydney CBD?
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More Than Just Emergencies
We are experts in all things dental
Emergency Dentist Sydney are experts in emergency treatment but, our doors are also to patients to visit us for a large range of treatments from general dentistry to injectables that will have you feeling great and smiling proudly.
We are experts in all things dental
Emergency Dentist Sydney are experts in emergency treatment but, our doors are also to patients to visit us for a large range of treatments from general dentistry to injectables that will have you feeling great and smiling proudly.
We love all things dental which is why we give patients access to all services to ensure an end-to-end dental experience. Read on for some of the most popular treatments that we have on offer.
General Dentistry
Hygiene & Maintenance: Ironically, you can visit us for your regular check-ups and cleaning which is probably one of the most important steps to keeping you out of the emergency dentist chair. It’s highly recommended that you schedule these appointments every 6 months and keep up to date x-rays
Tooth Grinding & Snoring Solutions: You deserve a good night’s sleep that doesn’t come at the detriment of healthy teeth. Arrange a consultation to discuss your issues so we can create a treatment plan which could include anything from mouthguards to diagnosis and solutions for snoring.
Gum disease treatment: Gum disease is an inflammation or infection of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. We provide treatment for both stages; gingivitis and periodontitis.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants: A dental implant is a great permanent solution for missing teeth A titanium rod is inserted in to the jaw bone with a replacement tooth or teeth mounted on top. After an initial consultation, we will advise the best treatment for you.
Veneers and crowns: Dental crowns and porcelain veneers can quickly improve crooked, crowded, chipped and gappy smiles. They are both long-term methods and cover your existing teeth. A main difference between crowns and veneers is how much of the tooth they cover: crowns usually encase the whole tooth, whereas veneers only cover the tooth’s front surface.
Teeth whitening: Probably the simplest treatment to give your smile a makeover, with in-chair or at-home options available. White fillings are also a great option and are a great alternative to silver fillings that will stand out more when you smile.
Orthodontics
Teeth straightening: There are so many teeth straightening options now that we’re happy to take you through to ensure you’re going to get the best results. Choice can also come down to aesthetics and budget
Cosmetic Injectables
Dentofacial aesthetics is a new approach in cosmetic dentistry which considers how the overall structure of your face contributes to your smile.
Aesthetic improvements can then be made with Collagen, Restylane and Botox. Dentists have the advantage of specialty training in the structure of the face so we have an extra level of skill when delivering these treatments.
So don’t wait until you have an emergency to visit us and always feel free to contact us to discuss and treatments.
Need Advice Or Emergency Dental Care In Sydney CBD?
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After Hours Dentist Sydney
Because toothaches don’t wait for business hours
At The Emergency Dentist Sydney we are experts in afterhours emergency dentistry. We have spent many hours, over several years, being one of the original providers of this type of care in Sydney.
Because toothaches don’t wait for business hours
At The Emergency Dentist Sydney we are experts in afterhours emergency dentistry. We have spent many hours, over several years, being one of the original providers of this type of care in Sydney.
Through extensive experience in emergency dental treatment, we are experts in treating:
✓ Toothaches
✓ Broken, cracked or chipped teeth
✓ Damaged or failed fixtures, such as veneers and crowns
✓ As well as any other dental emergency that may arise when other dentists in Sydney are closed for the day…
The Emergency Dentist Sydney are highly skilled in the following procedures:
Immediate Pain Relief
Pain relief is our number one cause for treatment. Our priority is to relieve your pain while maintaining the integrity of your health and teeth.
Successful Root Canals
We have performed thousands of successful root canals which save you from infection and save your teeth from needing extraction.
Saving Cracked Teeth
Our patients frequently attend our practice after hours with cracked teeth from accidents. It can be worrying but we can repair cracked teeth in one visit.
Repairing Broken Teeth
Broken teeth can't be ignored and should be looked after by experienced dentists such as ours.
Mending Broken Fixtures
Compromised crowns, veneers, dentures and orthodontics can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. We can fully repair all of these fixtures or ensure they are saved so you can return to your regular specialist during business hours.
Extractions
If all avenues have been explored and you require your teeth to be pulled, we have you covered. Our dentists are experienced in all extractions including simple extractions, surgical, sectional and wisdom teeth.
Our entire team is highly qualified when it comes to emergency treatment. We understand that dental pain can be a scary experience and we do all we can to ensure we put you at ease. From pain relief, even to payment. Don’t delay in contacting us because, chances are, the problems won’t fix themselves but they may get worse.
Need Advice Or Emergency Dental Care In Sydney CBD?
Contact our friendly team
The Importance of Good Quality Emergency Dentistry
Avoid Long Term Dental Problems
Avoid Long Term Dental Problems
You may not always get the opportunity to choose your emergency dentist. If you injure your mouth after hours, you’ll be in pain, confused and worried, as well as struggling to find an after hours dentist. But that doesn’t mean that you should settle for just any dentist who answers the phone. In fact, choosing the right Emergency Dentist in Sydney can be pivotal in getting the effective and expert help that you need.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Emergency Dentist
You need to choose an after hours dentist with the same care that you use when you choose your regular dentist. Emergency dentists must have a specific set of skills that are related to what patients need when they experience an injury or other dental problem. As Dr. Oberoi from Emergency Dental Sydney explains, “Emergency dentists have to be trained well in managing people with dental pain or dental trauma. They’re like Emergency Doctors in a lot of ways. They have more experience in diagnosing and giving appropriate treatment.” This extra training is essential to ensure you get the right treatment and the best outcome possible no matter what type of treatment you need.
If you don’t choose the right dentist, you may find yourself with someone who doesn’t have the depth of experience they need to cope with your dental emergency. This can result in substandard work, which causes more problems in the long run. If your dental work isn’t completed properly it can result in further trauma, infection or injury. And this will probably mean that you’ll have to have further work done to correct the problem or suffer long term pain or discomfort.
If you want to avoid these problems, then you need to put some thought into choosing an after hours dentist.
What to Look For in an Emergency Dentist
Obviously an after hours dentist should be appropriately qualified and experienced, but this isn’t really a big issue these days because of the regulations surrounding this profession. But that doesn’t mean that you should just go to anyone. As Dr. Oberoi says, “It’s important to choose an emergency dentist based on how good the dentist is. Because if the work isn’t done to the highest level then it can lead to further problems.”
This means that you shouldn’t default to just any dental provider even if you’re looking for a dentist after hours. It’s always better to visit a dentist who has a proven record in emergency treatments and can ensure the best outcome possible for your dental problem.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
The Top 6 Causes of Dental Emergencies
The Most Common Reasons for Seeing an After Hours Dentist
The Most Common Reasons for Seeing an After Hours Dentist
People call emergency dentists for all kinds of reasons. After all, it’s not like your teeth know that it’s the weekend or late at night and they need to wait for a more convenient time. However, you can decrease the chances that you will need to make an after hours trip to the dentist. To help you with that, here are the most common reasons people need an emergency dentist and how to avoid them.
1. Neglect or Poor Hygiene
Taking care of your teeth is essential if you want to avoid a late night trip to the dentist. You need to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Neglecting one or all of these activities will lead to dental problems, guaranteed. These problems can include poor dental hygiene, cavities, and possibly even infections. And all of them are painful and can result in a trip to your after hours dentist.
But avoiding the dentist is just as bad. Lots of people put off their dental appointments, usually because of nerves or fear. But this will only lead to further problems. Your teeth need to be cleaned and checked by the dentist on a regular basis. Regular check-ups mean that your dentist can identify and treat any potential problems before they turn into late night problems.
2. Trauma from Falls
Anyone can fall over, and most of the time it’s not a big deal. But sometimes it can have serious consequences. Falling can do more than hurt your knees and hands, it can also knock out your teeth or even break your teeth. Unfortunately, there’s really no way to avoid this problem, apart from being careful if you’re prone to falls.
If you do damage or break one of your teeth, your dentist may be able to fix the problem. If the crack is small, dental bonding can be applied to repair the damage. Larger cracks can be covered with a crown. And if you have a tooth knocked out, your dentist may be able to put it back in place. The success of these interventions depends on you and on how quickly you seek treatment. That’s why it’s vitally important that you contact your after hours dentist as soon as possible after the injury so you can learn about your treatment options.
3. Trauma from Sporting Accidents
If you play sports where there’s a lot of physical contact, you should be wearing a mouth guard at all times. Your dentist can make a mould of your mouth and design a guard that’s specifically shaped to fit you.
However, this doesn’t completely eliminate the danger of some sports. If you play contact sports there’s always the risk of injuring your mouth or your teeth even with a mouthguard. You can crack or break a tooth or teeth, or even knock one out. If this occurs, your dentist needs to assess the damage so they can determine the best treatment option.
4. Poor Diet
If your diet is high in sugars, carbohydrates, or starches, it can increase the plaque production in your mouth and lead to decay. Soft drinks and sweets are particularly bad for your teeth, and if you eat a lot of these foods you’re more likely to experience a dental emergency. You can decrease the damage these foods do by brushing and flossing after every meal, but the best way to avoid damage is to change your diet. Eating plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy carbohydrates will keep your teeth healthy and markedly reduce the risk of a trip to the late night dentist.
5. Fixing Existing Dental Issues
Another issue that often sends people to the late night dentist is problems with their existing dental hardware. This can be cracked or loose crowns, fillings that fall out, or damage to braces or other dental implants. These problems may be the result of poor dental work or they can be caused by eating hard food or physical injury.
No matter what causes the issue, you need to consult your dentist to discuss your treatment options. In most cases, the dental work can be replaced or redone without too much trouble so you can go about your daily life again.
6. Lack of Education on Dental Health
A lack of education about dental health is still a big problem in the modern world. It can lead to poor dietary habits and poor oral hygiene habits, both of which can seriously affect dental health. This problem may also cause people to avoid going to the dentist until it’s absolutely essential, which means that they only get dental care in emergency situations. If you avoid the dentist for this reason, it will be incredibly detrimental to your long term dental health.
The best solution to this problem is to pay a visit to your dentist. They will be able to give you all the latest information on dental care and make suggestions for your ongoing oral health. They’ll also be able to identify any existing problems so that you can avoid emergency trips to the after hours dentist.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
The Truth About 24 hour Dental Care
What You Can Expect From Your 24 Hour Dentist
What You Can Expect From Your 24 Hour Dentist
Our emergency dentist in Sydney is on call 24 hours a day. This means that you can get emergency dental care no matter what time of the day or night it is. This can be an incredible comfort if you break a tooth late at night or wake up with a toothache on a Sunday morning. To understand more about this service, see what one of our dentists, Doctor Oberoi, has to say about the dedication of the staff who perform this valuable service.
What is An After Hours Dentist?
Dr. Amrinder Oberoi
Dental emergencies don’t always happen between 9 and 5 on weekdays. They’re equally likely to happen after hours or on the weekend, and this is when you need access to a 24 hour dentist.
Here at our Emergency Dentist in Sydney, we can provide the comfort of knowing that expert help is only a phone call away. As Dr. Oberoi points out, “It’s a 24 hour on call service, so the phone lines are open 24 hours for emergencies. We also have online booking so patients can make an appointment on their computer the night before and come in first thing.”
These services allow patients to be proactive and to act immediately to safeguard their oral health and general wellbeing.
What You Can Expect from a 24 Hour Dentist
Dr. David Graham
If you have a dental emergency at night or on the weekends, you can call and get the help and support that you need. According to Dr. Oberoi here at our Emergency Dentist in Sydney, “We have an on-call dentist to see to the emergency if it really can’t wait. This is usually the case when you’re dealing with knocked out teeth or other problems that need to be fixed immediately.”
The dedicated staff at our 24 hour dentist can provide support for patients with unexpected dental emergencies, assess the situation, and give advice. If the on-call needs to be fixed as quickly as possible, they can make that happen. However, if it can wait until business hours they can schedule appointments and advise the patient what to do in the meantime. This kind of support and expert advice can be extremely comforting when you have a dental emergency and you’re in pain, frightened, and don’t know what the best course of action is.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
So if you have a toothache or other dental problem after office hours, make sure you contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available now to take care of all your emergency dental needs.
Our Top 5 Emergency Treatments
The Biggest Threats to Your Oral Health After Hours
The Biggest Threats to Your Oral Health After Hours
If you have a problem with your teeth at night or on the weekends, you’ll probably need to see our after-hours dentist. This is more common than you think. It’s normal to want to avoid thinking about a niggling pain in your tooth for as long as possible. But unfortunately, this means that it can flare up just at the wrong time. When this happens you’ll need to see a dentist as soon as possible. At our Emergency Dentist in Sydney, we see all sorts of dental problems after hours, but there are some that are more common than others. To learn about these procedures, and their treatments, keep reading.
1. Extractions
If you have a tooth that’s too damaged to fix then you may need an extraction. This type of damage is usually caused by injury or decay. During an extraction the affected tooth is removed from the socket bone. If the tooth is clearly visible in the mouth, your dentist will loosen it and then remove it with forceps. However, if the tooth is broken off below the gum line or hasn’t come through the gum then it will have to be removed surgically. This is a more complicated procedure during which the gum is opened up to remove the offending tooth.
2. Root Canal Treatment
If you have an infection or inflammation in a tooth then you may need a root canal. This is a very common reason for trips to the after-hours dentist and causes a great deal of pain and discomfort. Tooth infections happen by deep decay, a chip or crack in the tooth, or previous dental surgeries.
If you need to have a root canal your dentist will remove all the infected pulp from inside the tooth. The whole area will be cleaned and sterilised to remove all traces of the infection before a filling is inserted into the tooth to replace the tooth pulp. This procedure can save the affected tooth and help you avoid further surgeries.
3. Fillings & Dental Bonding
If you have a hole in your tooth because of decay, then you’ll probably need a filling. This is a very common procedure and an easy way to alleviate the pain that can occur with decay. During a filling procedure, your dentist will remove the damaged section of the tooth and replace it with a filling. A filling can be made of a number of different types of material depending on the size of the hole and its position in your mouth.
Another common emergency procedure is dental bonding. This is the cheapest and quickest way to improve the appearance of a damaged, broken or decayed tooth. The bonding material is attached to the surface of the tooth and vastly improves its appearance. During this procedure, your dentist will lightly abrade the surface of the affected tooth, apply a conditioning liquid and attach the resin. This is like plastic, so it can be moulded to fit the shape of your tooth. The material is smoothed and then hardened using an ultraviolet light.
4. Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth usually grow in the late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, not everyone has enough room in their mouth for these extra teeth. If this is the case for you, the new wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of the way or become impacted, causing infection and pain. This can come on quite suddenly and result in a trip to the after-hours dentist.
At the dentist, you will need to have an exam to determine what the problem is and what has to be done to alleviate it. If there isn’t enough room for your wisdom teeth, you will probably need to have them taken out. However, wisdom teeth can also cause pain in the gums and jaw when they’re coming through. So even if they hurt, you won’t necessarily have to have them removed. That’s why it’s important to get them checked so you can plan your next step.
5. Re-cementing of Crowns, Veneers & Bridges
Crowns, veneers and bridges are all used to replace missing or damaged teeth. Crowns are used to encase an entire tooth. They’re most often used when the tooth is decayed or damaged and improve the strength and the appearance of the tooth. Veneers cover the front side of the tooth, the part that faces outward, and improve the appearance of a damaged or broken tooth. And finally, a bridge is an artificial tooth that’s attached to surrounding teeth.
Despite the strength and durability of these dental additions, they can sometimes become damaged or loose. This can occur when the procedure is fairly recent and hasn’t completely set yet, because of injury, or while you’re eating something hard. If you lose a crown, veneer or bridge, your dentist will need to evaluate the area to see if the original addition can be re-applied. If not, you will have to decide what step to take next. If the dental addition can be reapplied your dentist will clean your mouth and the implant and reattach it.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a toothache after office hours, make sure you contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available now to take care of all your emergency dental needs.
What Does a Dental Emergency Look Like?
Tooth Pain
Tooth Pain
Pain generally is a sensation, usually protective, that gives the body a warning sign, showing that something is wrong. It could be mild and bearable and sometimes extreme and highly unbearable. For tooth pain, it has been recorded to be the second most painful sensation in the human body. Due to its gradual progression, many people decide to overlook it and don't seem it fit to handle it as an emergency case not until it graduates to being unbearable. It is at this time that they start finding it difficult to sleep at night, the pain wakes them up and causes gross discomfort for them. Then, they decide to consult their dentist.
Symptoms of Tooth Pain
The signs that show that you have tooth pain and not just any other kind of pain are:
Sensitivity to hot or cold food and liquid
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment
Sharp pain when biting down on food
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods and liquids
Dull ache and pressure in the upper teeth and sinus area of one or both sides
Acute pain from an area, but difficult to pinpoint the pain location
Causes of Tooth Pain
Tooth pain usually result from pain in the tooth or jaws. They can be divided into Dental and Non-Dental causes:
1. Dental Causes
Tooth Damage: It is very common for tooth damage to cause tooth pain. A broken or chipped tooth due to trauma can cause pain to the tooth. A damaged filling, crown or dental implant can also trigger tooth pain. Your dentist will fix this problem with a new crown or filling.
Tooth Decay: This is another common cause of tooth pain with several degrees of seriousness. A cavity can eventually occur in your tooth if you leave your tooth decay untreated. These cavities can grow larger and can be very painful particularly when it gets to the nerve ending. Abscesses happen when the infection reaches the nerve and pulp inside the tooth. Your dentist will usually drain the site to get rid of the pus and give you painkillers and antibiotics to combat the infection.
Gum Disease: Gingivitis left untreated results in periodontitis, also known as gum disease. This is usually associated with redness or swelling of the gum which can be due to plaque accumulation in the area. Tooth pain as well as gum pain are symptoms of gum disease. If you are at the gingivitis stage, your dentist will clean your teeth and gums to remove the plaque buildup. If the gingivitis has led to periodontitis, a root canal treatment may be required.
2. Non-Dental Causes
Sinus Pain Infection: Sinus infection usually causes pain in the tooth, particularly the upper back corners of the mouth. If sinus infections are a regular thing for you, you may have notices a pain in your teeth located near the sinus cavities. Decongestants or other sinus relieving medications may be able to help you, just ask your doctor for advice on these medications.
Heart Attack: Pain from a heart attack can radiate into the lower jaw.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar increases your risk for tooth decay which will lead to tooth pain.
Drug Abuse: Abnormal use of some drugs such as Methamphetamine can cause tooth pain.
Vitamin Deficiency: Low level of Vitamin B12 in the body usually causes tooth pain.
Treatment of Tooth Pain
Practising good oral hygiene is always the number one prevention method.
If your tooth pain is unbearable and it is associated with a fever or any other pain, don't delay your visit to the dentist. Do not self-medicate so as not to complicate issues for yourself.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Tooth pain should be considered an emergency situation and the need to visit a dentist as quickly as possible should not be delayed. Our dentists will help you with a treatment so you walk out pain free.
What Does a Dental Emergency Look Like?
Tooth Breaks
Tooth Breaks
Many times you find out while you’re brushing your teeth or while trying to bite an hard object that your tooth is broken. This, most times causes you to panic and sometimes shy to open your mouth. The panic is understandable but not justifiable because there is always a solution as soon as you call the right Dentist to handle it.
There are different types of breaks to the teeth. It could break from the gum, half the tooth, varying forms of fracture, teeth becoming loose and others too. All this have a solution, so there is no particular need to panic.
Why People Get Broken Teeth
People still get their teeth broken, even though, it has the covering of the hardest substance in the body. The reasons are not far-fetched:
Playing games without the proper mouth guard
Chewing of hard objects
Traumatic fall
Blow
Eating hard candies and acidic foods
Types of Tooth Breaks
There are different types of tooth breaks and most of them require emergency care. They are grouped into the following categories:
Minor Cracks: These are also known as “Craze lines”. They are cracks that only affect the outermost layer of the tooth called the enamel. This type of crack does not usually result in a panic because it doesn't cause pain initially. If left untreated though, it might get deeper, particularly if it's not carefully managed.
Cracked Tooth: This type of fracture involves the complete splitting or breakage of the tooth while the tooth is still in position. The tooth cracks from the enamel, through the dentine, even to the pulp cavity. This type of crack can be very painful because it involves the nerves and so it requires an emergency care.
Broken Cusps: This type of breakage only affects the chewing portion of the tooth and it does not usually break up to the pulp cavity. It can be painless but if not quickly attended to can extend to being abnormally painful.
Serious Breaks: This type usually exposes the nerve and sometimes get it damaged. This breakage usually comes with a large bout of pain and it should be treated as an emergency condition.
Vertical Breaks: This is also known as “Split Root”. It is the splitting of the tooth from the root to the enamel. This condition is also very painful and it is associated with inflammation of the gum and also nerve damage.
Decay-Induced Breaks: This condition usually occurs as a result of wearing the tooth by a cavity from inside out. This causes the tooth to break and it is very important to treat it as an emergency situation especially if the decay has extended to the bone.
Can Breaks Be Treated?
Yes, they certainly can, there are different methods of treating breaks depending on the level of severity and the kind of break it is. Some of the modes of treatment are:
Dental Bonding
Use of Veneers
Use of Crowns
Root canal treatment
Dental Implant
Below is an example of the use of porcelain veneers and bonding to reconstruct the broken teeth of a patient who fell down face first.
Check out our Smile Gallery for more examples of how we treat breaks.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
In case you have any break of any kind, think no further, put a call through to Emergency Dentist Sydney and the solution will be right at your doorstep. The team is always at your call and beckon. They have recorded countless success stories of re-branded and remodeled broken teeth. Put a call through today and enjoy the best.
Cracked a Tooth?
What to Expect When You Visit the Dentist
What to Expect When You Visit the Dentist
Cracked teeth happen, but they can happen in a number of different ways. A trip, a fall, a blow to the mouth. Biting down on an apple that's just a bit too hard. Grinding your teeth at night and doing so just a little too hard. Or maybe you notice that after such an incident your tooth doesn't seem to be cracked or broken but it does seem to have been dislodged or pushed back and that too is rather disconcerting.
Sometimes there isn't actually much pain involved when a tooth gets cracked. Sometimes it's only painful when you eat or drink something very hot or very cold. Sometimes there is lots of pain. So, when should you actually see a dentist? Should you even bother?
The answer to the second question will always be a 'yes'. Whenever a tooth has been cracked, fractured or dislodged there is a very real danger of permanent damage. Should you see a dentist on an emergency basis? That may vary from case to case, but to be on the safe side it may be a good idea to call an emergency dentist for advice as to how best to proceed based upon what has happened to you.
How are Cracked Teeth Treated?
So, you are headed to the dentist to get your damaged tooth looked at. What can you expect once you get there? That again will depend very much upon what damage has actually been done to the tooth. In some cases, cracked teeth can cause nerve damage as well as damage to the outer surface of the tooth. In others, there may be a danger of infection to any exposed pulp. And in almost every case we see, a patient is concerned about what can be done to minimise the aesthetic damage to their smile.
Common treatments for cracked or broken teeth, however, include all of the following:
Porcelain Crowns or Veneers
Temporary braces or brackets
Teeth Whitening
Removal of the teeth or Extractions
Gum Treatment or Periodontal Treatment
As you can see, the possible treatments vary quite widely. Just which will be appropriate for you is a decision you and your dentist will make after you have undergone a thorough dental examination and, very importantly, x-rays, that will help determine just what damage has been done.
Whatever treatments you do eventually need for your cracked or dislodged tooth the one thing you should not do is ignore the problem or put off a trip to the dentist. Modern dental techniques can help repair all kinds of damage and save teeth that may otherwise have had to be pulled, but often time is of the essence.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Cracked or dislodged teeth can be effectively treated and repaired. Prompt treatment is the key, however, so the faster you see a dentist after cracking a tooth the better
Knocked Out Tooth?
Don't Panic, There's a Chance It Can be Saved
Don't Panic, There's a Chance It Can be Saved
Getting a tooth knocked out can feel like a nightmare. Although it may not be the most serious injury in the world, it can certainly seem like the world is close to ending. Who wants to be called Gappy when they are an adult? It was cute when you were six and knew it was very much a temporary situation, but a knocked-out tooth as a grownup? It sends shivers down most people's spines just thinking about it.
As shocking and scary as it is, thanks to modern dentistry if your tooth is knocked out, putting things right is a lot easier than it used to be, and the chances you won't lose your lovely smile for very long are high. As long as you take prompt action that is.
Dealing with a Knocked-Out Tooth: Immediate Steps to Take
Whether the cause is a sports injury, an accident, or you got into a fight - either with someone else or the pavement - it is important to know what to do immediately after a tooth has been knocked out.
When a tooth is knocked out it is quite literally severed from the socket (that's just one reason why it hurts so much) and usually, the ligament that once attached it to your gum and jaw is destroyed. The tooth can still be saved at this point, but you'll need as many of the tiny nerve fibres to remain attached as possible.
This means you'll have to be very careful when you pick up the tooth (we're assuming here it can be located) You should pick it up by the crown only, never the root. Pick it up the wrong way and those precious fibers will be gone.
Once you have the tooth, wipe away excess dirt (carefully) and either set it back into the socket or hold it between your cheek and gums in your mouth. Bathing your tooth in your saliva will help keep it alive. If you can't place it in your mouth putting it into a glass of cold whole milk is the next best thing.
At this point somebody - possibly not you as your mouth is busy trying to save a knocked-out tooth - should be on the phone with an emergency dentist. A tooth that is lost due to an accident has an 80-90% chance of being saved if these procedures are followed and you can get to the dentist's office quickly.
A healthy tooth that is. If a knocked-out tooth was loose already, something that is usually caused by periodontal disease, none of these measures may help, as a diseased tooth is usually beyond that at this point. You should still head right to the dentists though, as the damage done to the gums and potentially to surrounding teeth still needs to be accessed asap.
Preventing Tooth Loss
Accidents happen. We understand that. But there are some things you can do to help prevent getting a tooth knocked out in the first place. Some sensible measures include the following:
If you play sports, wear a mouth guard. Not just if you play cricket or footie and there are flying objects involved, but when you participate in any sport. You never know when an opponent’s arm, or the track, might connect with your face and knock your tooth out. You need to make sure it fits well though, so talk to your dentist and they'll help you find the right one.
Practice good dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to prevent gum disease and decay. As we already mentioned, an unhealthy tooth is knocked out far more easily than a healthy one and once it's out there's rarely any putting it back in.
Think when you drink. Yes, there's still tons of fun to be had, even if the summer's winding down. And while we are not suggesting you give up enjoying everything that Sydney has to offer - including all the great pubs and clubs - drink with care.
Once you get a bit beer wobbly you are far more likely to fall down and kiss the pavement (ouch, it hurts just thinking about it) and/or get into a bit of fisticuffs with a fellow 'happy' reveler. If you are drinking, take it steady and if you really can't walk straight (oops) don't try. Call a taxi, call an Uber, call a mate but don't try to walk home and certainly don't drive.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
With prompt action a knocked-out tooth can often be saved. Just another reason why it pays to have our number in your phone, as you never know when you might need it at 2 am!
Loose Teeth
What to Expect from a Visit to an Emergency Dentist
What to Expect from a Visit to an Emergency Dentist
When you are a little kid a loose tooth is actually kind of fun. The adults think it's cute - there are probably at least one or two shots in the family album of a younger you wiggling a loose tooth for the camera - and as a kid, you know that when the tooth falls out it's time for the Tooth Fairy to pay up. And what child wouldn't look forward to that little windfall?
When you are an adult, however, and have the set of teeth that are now supposed to last for the rest of your life, it is no longer a laughing matter when a tooth is loose. It's not funny or sweet and, as far as we know, the Tooth Fairy isn't a big fan of grown-ups. Instead, a loose tooth in an adult is a cause for concern and often, for the person the tooth belongs to, a bit of a cause for panic.
The first thing we can say, as emergency dentists, is DON'T PANIC. There are many reasons why an adult might have a loose tooth, but with the right, prompt dental care there is a very good chance that the tooth can be saved.
What Causes Loose Teeth in Adults?
There can be all kinds of reasons why a tooth 'comes loose' in an adult's mouth but some of the most common include:
An accident in which the tooth has been hit or damaged
Gum disease surrounding the tooth which has loosened it over time
Decay that has become advanced enough to destabilise the tooth
Other factors, such as grinding your teeth in your sleep.
What Should You do if You Have a Loose Tooth?
See Your Dentist as Soon as Possible
This really should be something of a 'no-brainer' but many people actually avoid calling the dentist when they have a loose tooth because they are sure that it's a sign that they are going to need extensive dental work and sometimes the fear of that almost outweighs the fear of losing the tooth.
However, that may not be the case and by delaying dental treatment you could be throwing away any chance that the tooth can be saved. And even if it cannot a dentist can help ensure that the area surrounding the tooth is kept clean and free of infection and that the right ongoing treatments to deal with the situation are then planned. So, the basic advice here? Make that call as soon as you can.
Don't Play With it
While you wait to see a dentist resist the temptation to 'play' with the loose tooth. Don't wiggle it, don't pick and it and certainly never attempt to pull it yourself, even if it feels 'really loose'. As an adult doing so increases the risk of both infection and excessive bleeding and neither of those things could ever be described as fun (and could have serious implication for both your oral health and your general health overall)
Eat Soft Foods
If you are not heading to the dentist right away, you don't have to starve yourself while you wait but you should be careful. Avoid hard or sticky foods and keep that loose tooth as clean as possible but do so carefully. The best plan of action? Stick to soft foods and clean all off your teeth gently, being especially careful with the one that is loose.
What Will a Dentist do for Your Loose Tooth?
As you will discover when you get to their office your dentist will have a number of options for treating your loose tooth, and which one they choose will depend upon the unique situation at hand. However, some of the most common treatments include:
Tooth Splinting - This is a procedure in which the loose tooth is bonded to the teeth surrounding it to give it a chance to stabilise and re-implant firmly
Gum Treatments - Gum disease often leads to the gum 'losing its grip’ on a tooth, making it feel very loose. Treating the gum, with deep cleaning and other techniques can often begin healing the damaged gum tissue and, as the healing process proceeds the newly healthy gum will tighten around the loose tooth, securing it where it should be once more.
Extraction - Sometimes a loose tooth can't be saved. After it has been safely extracted and the socket and gum area has been thoroughly cleaned and treated discussions can begin between dentist and patient about preparing for an implant to be placed to replace it.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
A loose tooth is concerning but should not be a cause for undue panic. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible can significantly increase the chances that the tooth can be saved while also helping to ensure the health of all your other teeth as well.
Patient Care First
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