Our Smile Makeovers
Giving You the Perfect Smile
Giving You the Perfect Smile
At Emergency Dentist Sydney, we don’t only treat dental emergencies, but we also do general and cosmetic dentistry. We are interested in the aesthetics of your face and can provide advice and treatments to give you the smile of your dreams using cosmetic dentistry. If you have a serious dental problem and you think your teeth are beyond repair, don’t worry at all and come visit us for a consultation. Your teeth can not only be fixed but restored to their former glory in terms of aesthetics as well. Here’s a look at what cosmetic dentistry can do for the following issues:
Cracked/Broken Teeth
It’s easier than you might think to crack, chip or break a tooth. Your broken tooth may have survived the trauma, but it leaves you with a damaged tooth that not only looks pretty bad but is also now prone to decay, infection and can further collapse if not treated promptly. There are quite a few treatment options for cracked or broken teeth including bonding, fillings, crowns, and veneers.
Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth or teeth can be really upsetting and stressful. Whether you lost your teeth in an accident or had them extracted by the dentist, there are many ways for replacement teeth. The treatment options vary according to the location and size of the missing tooth, but bridges, crowns and implants are all different ways to replace your missing tooth/teeth and restore that smile of yours. It can also improve your chewing, speaking and overall dental health.
Worn Teeth
We need to be careful of the foods and drinks we consume as they may contain harmful and corrosive acids that wear our enamel. Behavioural habits such as teeth grinding, biting fingernails or chewing on hard objects also wear our teeth down. There are many treatment options for worn teeth including veneers, crowns, bonding, and implants. We also have advice and ways we can fix those behavioural problems such as teeth grinding.
Crooked Teeth
Having crooked, spaced or crowded teeth is no fun especially because it makes it hard to brush, floss and keep your teeth clean. As you get older the long-term effects for these conditions can be very harmful for not only your oral health but your overall health. Orthodontics may be the best method to treat those crooked teeth. There is a variety of orthodontic treatments which your dentist can help you with.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have concerns about your smile and want to makeover your smile, don’t hesitate to call us. Our expert team will help you design a treatment plan that gives you a smile that you’re proud to show off.
Tooth Extractions
You Have Nothing to be Afraid of
You Have Nothing to be Afraid of
You might have chipped a tooth from a fall or cracked a tooth from accidently biting down on something hard. Whatever the reason for your toothache or pain, a tooth extraction will most likely not be the first procedure your dentist will suggest. Tooth extractions are actually only done as a last resort. However, if you are in a situation where your tooth needs extracting, there is totally nothing to fear!
Tooth Extraction is the Last Resort
Dental treatments and techniques are rapidly advancing. At Emergency Dentist Sydney, our dentists will always discuss with you the right treatment options for your dental emergency. We avoid tooth extraction as there are a number of treatments that can be done first instead and most importantly, we want to save your tooth. This means if you have a broken tooth and are avoiding the dentist because you're fearing the extraction procedure, call your dentist now as an extraction may not be the case. Your dentist will try to fix your damaged tooth with a filling, crown or other treatment.
The Extraction Procedure
Sometimes, there may be too much damage for the tooth to be repaired. This is when the tooth will need to be extracted. The Procedure itself is fairly quick. Dr. Oberoi states that it usually takes under a minute to actually remove the tooth. He says that “I spend more time talking to the patient and making sure they’re comfortable than doing the procedure itself.” The care at Emergency Dentist Sydney is personalised to the patient, to ensure the procedure is as comfortable and stress free as possible.
A Painless Dentist Procedure
What we will always do is make sure that the area we are performing the extraction is completely numb. Even administering the anaesthetic is painless with the help of some numbing cream. At Emergency Dentist Sydney, we also have a number of options for anxious patients including local anaesthesia, happy gas or even IV sedation. Your dentist will discuss with you the best option for your situation and condition.
Tooth Extraction After-Care
Aftercare is almost as important as the extraction itself. Your dentist will stay in touch with you over the days after the procedure. They will be able to answer any questions or concerns you might have and provide assistance in the unlikely case of complications.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Extractions sound scary but in reality, they’re usually very quick and pain-free. Our dentists always ensure a pain-free and comfortable procedure for all patients so come and see us if you have concerns about your smile.
Our Top Tips Handling Dental Emergencies
What To Do When You Can't See Your Dentist Right Away
What To Do When You Can't See Your Dentist Right Away
Dental emergencies happen all the time, like breaking a tooth from a fall or a painful toothache that won’t go away. Nobody wants to experience these dental situations…especially when it happens outside of business hours. Knowing what to do when you’re in a situation where you can’t see the dentist right away, will help you reduce the risk of further complications. Here are some tips you can use to protect your teeth and gums until you can see an emergency dentist.
Broken Tooth:
Gently clean the area in your mouth with warm water and protect the tooth from exposure to germs by covering it with a sterile gauze. Apply a cold compress to the face if swelling.
Knocked Out Tooth: Pick up the tooth by the crown and do not touch the roots. Rinse off any dirt with water but make sure not to remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert the tooth in its socket. If you cannot insert the tooth back in, put the tooth in a cup of milk and take it to your dentist.
Cracked Tooth: Gently clean the area by rinsing with warm water and use a cold compress on your face to reduce any swelling.
Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently use a dental floss to ensure there is nothing caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. Visit the dentist even if the ache goes away.
Sore Gums:
This may be a sign of gum disease so immediate treatment is required. Before you contact your dentist, quickly but gently floss and ensure there is nothing caught between the teeth. Rinse gently with warm salt water and never put any painkillers against the infected gums as it may burn the gum tissue.
Broken Braces and Wires: If your wires and brackets are broken, use a soft object like an eraser to gently push the wire back into spot where it doesn’t cause any more discomfort. If you can’t reposition the wire, cover the end with orthodontic wax or a piece of gauze so that it doesn’t bother your gums or soft tissue. Never cut the wire as you could end up swallowing it or breathing it in. Make an appointment to see the dentist so that a more permanent solution will be given.
Objects Caught Between Teeth: Gently use dental floss to remove the object. If object does not come out, call your emergency dentist. Never use a sharp object like a pin to try and get the stuck object out.
Lost Filling: If your filling has fallen out, part of the interior of your tooth will be exposed so temporarily stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity. Do not use a sugar filled gum as this will cause immense pain. Another option is to use a dental cement which can be purchased over the counter.
Lost Crown: Temporarily replace the crown by coating the inside of the crown with denture adhesive or toothpaste to help it stay in place. Never use super glue. If you can’t position it in there properly, leave it and take it to your dentist.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries include the tongue, cheeks, gums and lips. These injuries can be cuts or swelling and can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, gently rinse your mouth with salt water to disinfect the cuts. Then use a piece of damp gauze to apply pressure to the areas that are bleeding for 15 – 20 minutes. You can also hold a cool compress on your face to control the swelling. If you are still bleeding badly after 20 minutes, please call your emergency dentist. Continue to hold pressure on the affected area.
A dental emergency can occur at any time and at any place. It is helpful to know these tips just in case these situations arise. Always have an emergency dentist’s contact handy especially when you are travelling abroad. It will definitely save you time while you are trying not to panic. You can also check out our emergency dental care tips on our website.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
Always contact your dentist when you have or think you have a dental emergency. It will make a huge difference to know what to do while you wait to see them.
Dental Implants
A Basic Guide to Replacing Your Tooth
A Basic Guide to Replacing Your Tooth
Dental implants are an effective treatment for cracked or broken teeth. It is a great option for people who have damaged a tooth due to sudden accidents or who have lost teeth due to decay and disease. Here’s everything you need to know if you are in need of a replacement tooth or teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for badly damaged teeth. If you decide to get them or if your dentist suggests this treatment, the first step is to remove your broken teeth roots and replace them with metal posts. They are artificial roots made with strong and long-lasting materials. This procedure is the same whether you’re getting one tooth replaced or all of them. These metal posts can be cylindrical or can be a screw. Once your mouth has healed around these new structures, your dentist can attach brand new teeth to the metal foundation. Dental implants require several treatments, but once they’re in, they feel and look just like normal teeth.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
The main advantage of dental implants is that it creates the most natural as well as durable solution to your missing tooth. They are designed to look like your original teeth. Dental implants also replace loose dentures and partial plates that look fake, fall out, and can be painful to wear. They’re extremely sturdy, and although they can decay if you don’t take care of them, they’re stronger than natural teeth. Getting dental implants will not only improve the look and feel of your mouth, it will also improve your ability to eat because when you have broken teeth, it is difficult to eat and your diet becomes restricted. The end result of dental implant procedures will make it feel like your natural teeth.
The Importance of Avoiding Bone Loss
When you have missing teeth, the bone around the removed tooth root gets partially absorbed into your body. This causes the jaw bone to become thin and weak, causing various problems for your oral health and for your appearance. If you have bone loss, you may need to build up the bone again with a bone grafting procedure and then be able to have dental implants. Your teeth may also become crooked and uneven, because the bone beneath them is uneven. And in the worst cases, the lower third of the face can actually collapse inwards because there isn’t enough bone to support it anymore.
Dental implants can help you avoid this problem as they will protect and strengthen your jaw bone. The screw that is placed into the bone protects the bone from being absorbed by the body. The screw also integrates into the bone, strengthening it and protecting it from future damage.
Single Tooth Implant
A single tooth implant replaces a single missing tooth as well as its root. This is a good procedure to have if you’re missing a single tooth and want to avoid having a gap in your smile, or repair your bite. It has several advantages over other replacement options such as a bridge, which damages the health of your surrounding teeth because they need to be ground down to fit with the new dental work.
Multiple Teeth Implants
Multiple teeth implants are for replacing several missing teeth and their roots. Other replacement options require support from adjacent teeth, which can cause wear and damage and even result in the support teeth themselves becoming loose. But multiple teeth implants don’t require any support, they look and function just like real teeth.
Full Mouth Implants
Full mouth implants are best if you need all of your teeth replaced because of decay or damage. With this procedure, all of your remaining teeth and their roots are removed before the screws are placed into your jaw. While they heal, temporary teeth can be worn. Once your mouth has healed, new teeth are fixed into place using small metal bars. Once the teeth are in place, you can’t see any of the metal work, and you can show off your great new smile.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If your teeth are cracked or broken, call us immediately and book an appointment. We are here to help you find the best treatment for your damaged teeth.
Traditional Vs. Laser Root Canal Treatment
Why It's Better to Go High Tech
Why It's Better to Go High Tech
You may have heard of laser root canals and you may be a little scared but fear not, there is nothing strange or scary about laser treatments at all. In fact, using lasers in dentistry make treatments faster, more effective and a lot less uncomfortable. Have a read below for the advantages a laser root canal can offer over a traditional root canal procedure.
Why Would I need a Root Canal Anyway?
There are several reasons that your dentist might suggest a root canal. A tooth that has deep decay, has cracks or chips that have resulted in damage to the pulp of the tooth itself, or it may have suffered as a result of repeated dental procedures but is not totally beyond repair. The idea behind root canal treatment is to alleviate the pain associated with pulp damage and give the tooth a chance to heal before it is restored with a filling or a crown at a later date.
Laser Vs. Traditional
A traditional root canal makes use of a drill to create a tiny opening in the tooth to be treated. The inflamed/damaged pulp is then removed and the root within the tooth is cleansed and disinfected before the little hole is filled back up again with a rubber like solution.
A laser root canal follows basically the same procedure, but making use of a laser, instead of a drill, really does make a difference. The laser can 'boil away' the damaged tissue with far greater accuracy and the tooth is left considerably cleaner. There is also often less bleeding involved - a plus for anyone because no one really likes to see blood, especially if it's their own - and some patients who have had a root canal in the past they can compare the laser procedure to have reported that the pain and discomfort they experienced immediately after their dental surgery was noticeably less.
But are Lasers Really Safe?
Some people are a little afraid that an oral surgeon could slip up and the dental laser will cut their tooth. Lasers can indeed cut, but any dentist performing a laser root canal has been extensively trained in the procedure and is as skilled with their laser as they are with their drill.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
We are happy to explain everything at great length and together make a decision on which treatment is best for you. Whether you prefer a laser or traditional root canal, we will provide you with the best possible experience.
Need Advice Or Emergency Dental Care In Sydney CBD?
Contact our friendly team
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.
Emergency Repair to Fixtures
Should Only Pain Be Treated as an Emergency Situation?
Should Only Pain Be Treated as an Emergency Situation?
Pain, as it is obviously known is a major concern to everyone as it is very disturbing and highly discomforting. Tooth pain, however, has been considered over time to be a very serious issue simply because it has been rated one of the worst pains anyone can ever have. Tooth pain, however, is not the only dental condition that should be treated as an emergency. It is not until you are experiencing some form of pain that you should remember your dentist, it is important to note that there are still some conditions that would require the prompt intervention of the dentist, else, a lot of things might get ignorantly damaged.
Other Conditions to Be Treated as an Emergency
Apart from the emergency that comes with pains, aches or cracks. Some conditions should not also be handled with levity, especially the ones involving minor and easily overlooked conditions coming from tooth treatment. Conditions like this should not be underestimated so as to avoid unnecessary prolongation of treatment. Also, it isn’t a crime to look beautiful and dentists can make that happen, so, do not relegate yourself as a second-class citizen simply because you do not want to see a dentist. Some of these conditions listed should be treated as emergency cases and promptly resolved:
· Broken Denture
Dentures are metal frameworks attached to someone tooth for the purpose of realignment. When a denture gets broken for whatever reason, it should not be treated as a minor issue. While a broken denture can be overlooked, it can be very embarrassing and seriously disfiguring. This condition should not be allowed to stay with you for too long when the solution is just around the corner. It should be treated as an emergency situation, for aesthetic purpose and also not to cause a further damage to the tooth and thus incurring more cost for lack of knowledge.
· A Chipped Crown or Veneer
When a crown or veneer becomes chipped or slightly cracked, you should reach out to your dentist immediately in order not to unnecessarily prolong your treatment and cause more damage to the tooth in question. If left untreated, the tooth might eventually become loose, thus, the essence of the treatment getting to be in vain.
· Popped out wires from Braces
For those using braces to align your dentition, you should take note of the wires being out of place and thus popping out. If this occurs, there is a very high tendency of distortion in treatment as orthodontic work required precision. This would eventually lead to prolongation of treatment. It can also affect your eating ability or damage your mouth, so it is very important to take it as an emergency situation.
· Broken Retainers
The main purpose of wearing a retainer is to perfect the work of the orthodontist. When your retainer gets broken, return to your dentist immediately and it would be easily rectifiable provided you treat it as an emergency situation and do not delay it.
Some other conditions that should be treated as an emergency are getting to starve yourself to sleep because you have lost your sleep appliances and also losing fillings and ramifications due to unnecessary delay in getting it fixed.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
All these conditions should be treated as an emergency situation once it happens and you should call your dentist immediately so as to get the proper care.
Acute Pain
What to Expect
What to Expect
Pain in the tooth has been recorded to be the second most painful form of pain in the human body. Acute tooth pain can be very discomforting. It is an experience that should never be gotten as it is always difficult to forget experiences like that. This is because the pain takes all of you and you just cannot get yourself to concentrate on any other thing. No one who has ever had a tooth pain prays to keep having it.
What are the Causes?
Acute pain can be caused by a lot of factors which ranges from coming from the upper part of the tooth to the ones radiating from deep within the gum. Tooth pain can also be gotten as a result of infections from other parts of the body associated with the tooth. Some of the main causes of acute tooth pain are:
Tooth Decay: This is a major factor that causes acute tooth ache and it is due to bacterial infection. It occurs when the bacteria traversed through, reaching the roots of the tooth thus causing an abscess. The pain can be very terrible and highly unbearable.
Fractured Tooth: When a tooth is fractured, the nerve gets exposed and the exposure of a nerve causes excruciating pain because nerve exposure usually leads to the formation of an abscess.
Gum Disease: When the gum of an individual is infected and not quickly treated, it can lead to an inflamed gum, periodontitis and other root canal infections and this also is a leading cause of acute tooth pain.
Symptoms
When toothache occurs, some of the obvious symptoms that it comes with are:
Confusion and severe headache
Persistent increase in temperature
Obvious swelling and palpable tenderness of the gum and generally in the mouth
Blurred and/or double vision
Treatment Options
Acute pain should be taken as an emergency situation and be treated as such. The first and main treatment is to contact your dentist right away. This is important because the pain might trigger lots of other problems and complications might arise. While preparing to see the dentist though, some of these treatments can be quickly applied:
Properly rinse your mouth with warm water in order to get it cleansed.
Take two tablets of Ibuprofen or Advil and then wait for three hours.
Then, take two Panadol tablets and then wait for another three hours before repeating the second step.
These tablets to cause a significant reduction in the swelling in case there is an inflammation and also reduce the pain to a bearable minimum. It is very important to note that you should not directly apply aspirin, you should see your dentist instead.
Before getting to the end of these treatments, you must have been able to reach your dentist and get the proper care.
In cases whereby the pain is severe, has lasted more than a day or you have other associated pain apart from the toothache, it is very expedient to see the dentist quicker because other treatment options may be needed as all these may be due to abscesses or deep root canal infections and it warrants more serious treatments such as:
Extractions or removal of the tooth
Filling of the tooth
Gum or Periodontal treatment
Root Canal treatment
All these would require serious treatment and some minor surgical procedures, but, there is no need to panic as long as you visit the right dentist.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If your toothache is severe, follow these emergency dental care tips. If it has lasted for more than 24 hours and you just can't take it anymore, give us a call.
Sudden Toothache and Emergency Dental Treatment
How We Can Help
How We Can Help
Those who have never experienced a serious toothache really don't know just how bad the pain from something as 'minor' as tooth pain can be. Most of those who have been through such pain before, on the other hand, understand all too well just how terrible toothache can be. And although it's often a matter of personal perception, somehow it often seems as if the toothaches that strike late at night, or at the weekend, when most dentists' offices are closed feels even worse than one that strikes during 'regular' business hours.
What Causes Sudden Toothaches
A bad toothache can strike like lightning - and in many cases be so painful that it actually feels like something hit you - but often the problem has been 'brewing' for weeks (or even months).
Untreated tooth decay 'suddenly' leads to the beginnings of a painful infection, or a nerve that has become exposed due to the decay becomes hugely sensitive. Or gum disease results in a painful abscess. Or that wisdom tooth you've been warned about (several) times before is trying to erupt again and causing pain that can be excruciating.
Trauma can lead to a severe toothache as well of course. A blow to the mouth, a tooth that gets cracked or dislodged or an injury to the gum line can all lead to a terrible toothache as well.
When is a Toothache an Emergency?
You've tried Panadol. You've tried taking the afternoon off. You've tried ice. You've tried heat. Your toothache isn't improving though, and, in fact, it seems to be getting worse. But is this really a situation that merits a visit to an emergency dentist or should you just try to tough things out until office hours, even though that is getting harder and harder to do?
In many cases, the simple answer is yes. No one should suffer needlessly, and so if the pain is severe, if it has come on very suddenly and/or has lasted for more than 24 hours a call to an emergency dentist really is the best course of action. It becomes even more important that you do so if your pain is accompanied by a fever or is radiating to other places - your ears for example - as well.
Whatever the cause of your pain is eventually determined to be (more about that in a moment) prompt action can not only help you stop the pain faster but may also help save your tooth (or teeth)
What Can an Emergency Dentist do for Toothaches?
What an emergency dentist will do for your toothache depend upon what the problem is determined to be. Therefore, that will be the first order of business, by way of a full examination and a set of x-rays. Once the cause of your toothache has been diagnosed your dentist will discuss treatment options with you, but they may include any of the following:
Removal of the tooth or extractions
Fillings
Gum Treatment or Periodontal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
Can Toothache be Prevented?
Many of the causes of a sudden toothache are indeed preventable. Tooth decay and gum disease can often be prevented with simple good oral hygiene - brushing and flossing at least twice a day, regular visits to the dentist and routine care as needed. If you get into the habit of visiting your dentist every three to six months the simple fact is that you may never need emergency dental treatments at all.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If your toothache is severe, follow these emergency dental care tips. If it has lasted for more than 24 hours and you just can't take it anymore, give us a call.
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!
Patient Care First
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