What to do During a Dental Emergency

Sometimes a toothache can hit us at the worst possible time.  What should you do if it is the weekend and there is not a single dentist office open?

Dental pain is usually due to inflammation, so over the counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen may be helpful in decreasing the pain.

Warm salty water rinses can sometimes help soothe the area.  This can be done three times daily.

Over the counter topical numbing medications usually contain benzocaine which can temporarily subside the pain.  However, overuse of this medication can further irritate the area, so use it only in moderation.

If you experience a mild fever and/or slight swelling you can use a cold compress to keep it under control.

Please go the hospital emergency room if any of the following occur:

• The pain becomes unbearable
• If you have a high fever
• Swelling has spread into the throat making it hard to breath and swallow
• Swelling that has spread up toward your eye, causing it to shut

I.V. antibiotics may be needed to keep the infection under control.  Emergency rooms usually don’t have a dentist on staff, so they will likely only be able to provide temporary pain relief and/or get the infection under control.  You will need to follow up with our Wyndham dentist for straightforward care that prevents the infection from reoccurring.

Emergency Dentist in Wyndham

To help prevent dental emergencies you should maintain regular checkup appointment with your dentist. Yearly radio-graphs are helpful in diagnosing dental problems and they can be treated before they become severe.  At Wyndham Dental, we have been in business for over 30 years and we would love to help you take care of your teeth.  Call us as soon as possible for same day emergency care and pain relief.