What to do with a dental emergency this holiday season

 

How do I know what a dental emergency is?

Urgent dental care is required in a dental emergency. This is often due to the pain that a person is in or to prevent any worsening of the issue. Such things can include:

• Severe toothache and pain
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Dental trauma or accidents such as a tooth that has been knocked out
• Dental infection of either the tooth or gum
• Placement of a final crown restoration when the temporary crown is lost or causing issues
• Denture repairs
• Lost fillings

When should I see the dentist?

Many of our dental centres remain open over the holiday season. Give your local nib Dental centre a call as soon as your dental emergency occurs and ask for an emergency appointment. All our centres ensure that they have emergency appointments available daily for just this reason. The team will also be able to guide you on some simple steps to take to keep you comfortable and prevent further damage until your appointment.

 

 

Steps to follow if a tooth has been knocked out

Follow these simple steps and be sure to get in touch with your local nib Dental team.

1. Find the tooth, if it is clean, gently place it back in the socket ensuring you hold the tooth by the crown and not the root.

If the tooth is dirty, wash it in milk or in the mouth before placing it back in the socket.

2. If you are unable to place the tooth back in the socket, store it in milk or in plastic wrap, never in water.
3. Call your local nib Dental team for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

 

What will the cost of an emergency dental appointment be?

The cost for your emergency dental appointment will vary depending upon the individual dental treatment you require. Your dentist will discuss any costs that are expected at the time of your appointment.