Walking you through your dental emergency
Pain and panic go hand in hand. So, when a dental emergency strikes, it is completely understandable that you may not know what to do and your mind may go blank. That is why it helps to think through what you would do in a dental emergency before one happens. The more familiar you are with the steps you need to take, the more likely you will be able to act them out when a dental emergency strikes.
Of course, the most important thing to do when you have a dental emergency is to book an emergency dental appointment in Mackay. At Walkerston Dental in Walkerston, we’ll aim to see you the same day you get in touch.
Now let’s walk through those all-important steps to take during a dental emergency.
Step 1: keep calm
Easier said than done, but it is important to try to keep a level head. Take a moment to breath in and out deeply. Steady yourself and remember that your emergency dentist will get your dental health back on track.
Step 2: call us
Keep our number stored in your phone under emergency dentist. That way if you are too frazzled to call us to book your emergency dental appointment in Mackay, your friend or a helpful passer-by can.
Step 3: do some dental first aid
Depending on your dental emergency, there are a few things you can do yourself. If you have chipped or knocked out your tooth, find the tooth or pieces of tooth. For a completely knocked-out tooth, store it in saliva or in milk, or place it back into the socket from which it came out. If you are bleeding, apply gauze to the area and hold it there. If it soaks through add more gauze on top. If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Take over-the-counter painkillers for some temporary pain relief if you need it.
Step 4: sit back and let us help
Once you arrive for your emergency dental appointment in Mackay, you can relax. We’ll provide you with pain relief, clean and sterilise the damaged area, and repair the damage.
When you should see an emergency dentist
Some dental emergencies are obvious, such as losing a tooth, but sometimes you can’t be sure whether or not you need to see an emergency dentist in Mackay. If you are unsure whether you need an emergency appointment, call Walkerston Dental in Walkerston and our staff will be able to advise you.
Things that aren’t emergencies
If you’ve lost a filling, you may have some pain and it might make eating awkward but it doesn’t usually require an emergency dentist in Mackay. That said, food getting stuck in the hole where the filling was can cause problems so you should make an appointment for some time in the next few days.
Toothache can be an indicator of a problem that requires treatment, but unless the pain comes on suddenly or is very severe it isn’t usually cause to visit an emergency dentist in Mackay. If there are other symptoms such as swelling, or if you are unsure, it is best to call the practice for advice.
If you have chipped at tooth it can be annoying, but isn’t normally treated as an emergency. Again, if you are unsure just call the practice and they will tell you if you need an emergency appointment.
Reasons to visit an emergency dentist in Mackay
If you have lost an adult tooth, you definitely need to get to an emergency dentist in Mackay as soon as possible, as they may be able to save the tooth. Call our practice and explain the situation, and they will advise you on what to do with the tooth. A loose or cracked tooth is another reason to call for an emergency appointment. Prompt treatment could mean the difference between saving or losing the tooth. Another serious problem that requires emergency treatment is an abscess. Left untreated, the infection could spread and become more dangerous.
Emergency care at Walkerston Dental
We will always to our best to treat you on the same day if you call us with an emergency. At the very least, we will make sure we relieve your pain before you go home. If you need to return for further treatment we will do our best to take care of you as soon as possible.
Preventive dentistry for oral health
None of us like having dental treatment in Mackay, and the best way to avoid this is with preventive dentistry. Here at Walkerston Dental in Walkerston GP SuperClinic, Queensland, we work with you to ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong. There are a number of aspects to preventive dentistry, including diet, oral hygiene and fissure sealants.
How diet can affect your teeth
When you come in for dental treatment in Mackay the dentist may talk to you about your diet. What you eat and drink can affect your teeth, and sugar can be a major cause of tooth decay. You should restrict the amount of sugary foods you eat, such as sweets and cakes. Sometimes you may not realise how much sugar is in something. Fruit juices and smoothies may seem healthy but they are actually very high in sugar. Many breakfast cereals also have a high sugar content, so you should check the nutritional information on the label. Too much sugar can lead to cavities and the need for dental treatment in Mackay.
Alcohol can also have an adverse effect on your teeth, eroding the outer surface and leading to enamel being lost. Heavy drinking can also substantially increase the risk of mouth cancer, especially if you are also a smoker.
Certain foods can also stain your teeth. Wine, tea and coffee are some of the worst things for causing tooth staining.
Smoking and your teeth
We all know that smoking is bad for us, and when you think about it, it is obvious that it will adversely affect the mouth and teeth. Smoking can stain your teeth yellow, and can also increase your risk of gum disease and mouth cancer.
Fissure sealants
One type of preventive dental treatment in Mackay is fissure sealants. The large teeth at the back of your mouth often have deep grooves that are difficult to keep clean, meaning they can be prone to cavities. If the teeth are healthy we can protect them with fissure sealants.
Oral hygiene
When you come for dental treatment in Mackay, the dentist may give you advice on oral hygiene. A good hygiene habit of regular brushing and flossing is important for keeping your teeth healthy.
Advances in dental technology
Like all medicine, advances are being made in dental technology all the time. When you visit a dentist in Mackay you want to know that they are taking advantage of these advances. Here at Walkerston Dental in Walkerston GP SuperClinic, Queensland, we make use of the latest dental technology to make diagnosis and treatment as accurate and easy as possible.
Examples of dental technology
When you visit a dentist in Mackay, there are a number of examples of advanced technology you may come across.
We now use digital x-rays, which mean lower radiation exposure. They also have much higher resolution for a clearer picture, and processing times are much shorter. Real-time visualisation is possible, making it much easier for the dentist in Mackay to identify early signs of decay and other dental problems.
Intra-oral cameras are in regular use at our practice, allowing us to take high-definition pictures of the inside of your mouth. We can then show you these photos on screen, allowing you to see what is going on with your teeth and enabling the dentist to better explain things.
It can be difficult for the dentist in Mackay to see minute details of your teeth, but using a surgical microscope and magnifying loupes enables more thorough treatment. Being able to see at up to 20 times the original size makes it easier for the dentist to make sure every last bit of infection or decay is removed.
At Walkerston Dental we have access to an onsite digital OPG, a full-face x-ray machine, which saves time and resources as we don’t need to refer patients out if they require the use of this machine. This is important to you as the patient as it reduces delays in treatment.
If you are planning to visit a dentist in Mackay for dental implants, you can have confidence in our implant planning software. This enables us to virtually plan the placement of implants. Experience shows that this reduces the risk of surgical complications. The software offers improvements to the long-term outcome of the implants.
Dental technology can improve your visit
These technologies can make your consultation and treatment with a dentist in Mackay much more comfortable.
What to do if you need an emergency dental appointment
No matter how well you look after your teeth, there may come a time when you need an emergency dental appointment in Mackay. Here at Walkerston Dental in Walkerston GP Superclinic, Queensland, we will do our best to see you on the same day and ensure you go home pain-free.
Examples of dental emergencies
There are a number of situations that count as a dental emergency. If you play contact sports, chances are you’ve seen someone lose a tooth at some point. If this happens to you, it is essential to book an emergency dental appointment in Mackay as soon as possible as the dentist may be able to save the tooth. Clean the tooth in either saliva or milk, being careful to handle it by the crown and avoid touching the root. Then carefully push the tooth back into the socket and bite down gently to hold it in place until you can see the dentist. If this is not possible, transport the tooth in a small container or milk. This will help to preserve it.
If the tooth is cracked or loose, again you should book an emergency dental appointment in Mackay as quickly as you can. The sooner you can get to the dentist, the more likely they will be able to save the tooth. If you receive an injury to the jaw or have bleeding that won’t stop, these are also reasons to see an emergency dentist.
Another example of a dental emergency is if you think you have an abscess. Symptoms of an abscess include pain, swelling, pus, difficulty biting or chewing, and fever. Abscesses are caused by infection and should always be treated by a dentist as quickly as possible to prevent the infection from spreading.
It’s not always obvious
There are situations where you may not be sure whether or not you should book an emergency dental appointment in Mackay. Even if you have received some trauma to the mouth, you may not be able to see any obvious damage. If you have a lot of pain you should still call us for advice. Our staff will be able to tell you whether you need to come in to get it checked.
Looking after your teeth as you get older
As you get older, your teeth and gums age along with you and you will be more likely to need dental treatment in Mackay. At Walkerston Dental in Walkerston GP SuperClinic, Queensland, we offer a wide range of dental treatments to help you fight the signs of ageing.
Cosmetic dental treatment in Mackay
There are a number of cosmetic dental treatments that can counteract the problems that come with ageing teeth.
Teeth whitening – teeth can become stained and darker in colour with age and other factors including smoking and diet. Having your teeth whitened can brighten up your smile and help you feel younger.
Veneers – teeth can become worn, chipped and discoloured over the years, so fronting them with porcelain veneers can give you a lovely new smile and boost your confidence.
Crowns – sometimes a tooth can become fragile and in need of preservation. A good way to do this is with a crown, also known as a cap.
Replacing lost teeth
Sometimes there is a requirement for more advanced dental treatment in Mackay, particularly if you have lost one, several or even all of your teeth. Dental implants are the best way to preserve your jaw after you have lost a tooth, but there also the options of a bridge or dentures. Poor nutrition can be a problem for the elderly, so it is important to make sure lost teeth or loose-fitting dentures do not lead to a bad diet.
Keeping your gums healthy
It is quite common to experience problems such as gum disease and gum recession as you get older. If you think you have a problem with your gums, come to us for dental treatment in Mackay and the dentist will be able to advise you on what can be done.
Don’t stop smiling
By ensuring you have looked at all the options for dental treatment in Mackay to keep your teeth healthy and looking good, you can keep smiling with confidence and feel happy.
Keep up with regular check-ups
The best thing you can do for your ageing teeth is to make sure you come to us for regular check-ups. Preventing potential problems is the easiest way to keep your teeth heathy.
What to expect when you visit a dentist
Maybe you’ve avoided seeing a dentist for a while, or you’re new to this country and not sure what to expect. Either way, it is important to have regular check-ups with a dentist in Mackay and you can rest assured that here at Walkerston Dental in Walkerston GP Superclinic, Queensland, we will do our best to make you feel at ease.
Modern clinic with up-to-date equipment and methods
At Walkerston Dental we keep up with the latest developments in dental treatment. Our practice is outfitted with advanced dental technology, making use of items such as digital x-ray, intra-oral camera and implant planning software. These, along with other technologies, enable us to give you the best care possible and allow us to show you exactly where your teeth need attention. All of this can help make your visit to a dentist in Mackay more comfortable.
What happens at a check-up
If you’re apprehensive about visiting a dentist in Mackay for a check-up, you can relax in the knowledge that it is really a quick and simple experience. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums, looking for potential problems. By having a dentist in Mackay look at your teeth regularly, they can pick up on any possible issues early which means they are likely to be easier to treat. The dentist will also ask you questions about your general oral health, and give you advice on dental hygiene, as well as things that affect your teeth such as smoking, alcohol and diet.
The dentist may take x-rays or pictures of your mouth to help them assess your teeth. If they do come across any problems that require treatment, they will most likely book you another appointment.
Keeping your teeth healthy at home
The best way to avoid needing to see a dentist in Mackay, apart from general check-ups, is to keep up a good dental hygiene habit at home. Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day, flossing, and limiting sugary foods and drinks are the best ways to make sure your teeth stay healthy. Acidic drinks such as fruit cordials, juices and other soft drinks should be limited, as the acids can dissolve tooth enamel and cause cavities.
How an emergency dentist can help you
As many of us know, tooth pain is one of the worst feelings in the world. There’s something horrible about that deep-rooted pain, plus the fact that it stops you from being able to eat normally. But is a sore tooth a reason to see an emergency dentist in Mackay? That depends on what is causing the pain. The best thing to do is to give us a call. If you explain the situation, our staff will be able to advise you on whether or not you need an emergency appointment.
Reasons you might need an emergency dentist in Mackay
So, what might be causing that pain? The most obvious reason is some kind of blow or trauma that may have damaged a tooth. Even if there is no obvious damage such as a knocked-out or cracked tooth, there may be some damage that you can’t see and if you are in a lot of pain it is best to give us a call. You may need an x-ray to assess the damage, and our dentist will do their best to relieve the pain for you.
If you are unlucky enough to have a tooth knocked-out or cracked, it is very important that you get to an emergency dentist in Mackay as soon as possible, as they may be able to save the tooth for you.
Another dental problem that can cause pain is an abscess. Abscesses aren’t always painful, but they do require treatment. An abscess is caused by infection and won’t get better by itself. If you don’t have it treated quickly, you run the risk of the infection spreading which can be dangerous for your health. Other symptoms that might be caused by an abscess are swelling, a bad taste, or a fever. If you think you have an abscess, it is important to call an emergency dentist in Mackay.
If you have an emergency, come to us
If you need an emergency dentist in Mackay, Walkerston Dental in Walkerston can help you. Give us a call and we will do our best to treat your problem on the same day. Even if you’re not sure if it’s an emergency, our staff can advise you.
Don’t put off having dental treatment
Many people think that dentists are only there to cause pain, both in your mouth and your wallet! But the truth is that dental treatment in Mackay is often important not just for the health of your teeth, but also for your state of mind. Being able to smile confidently has a big impact on your self-esteem, and the right dental treatment can give you that confidence.
Types of dental treatment
There are three main reasons for you to come to us for dental treatment in Mackay. The first is preventive treatment. This includes routine check-ups, regular scale and polish treatments, and things you can do yourself, such as keeping a good oral hygiene habit, giving up smoking and looking after your gums.
The second reason you might need dental treatment in Mackay is a range of general treatments. This covers things like filling cavities, root canals and emergency dental care.
The third type of dental treatment in Mackay is cosmetic dentistry. This is where the treatment focusses on the way the teeth look, as well as medical benefits. Cosmetic dentistry includes things like veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, and braces.
Here at Walkerston Dental in Walkerston GP SuperClinic, Queensland, we cover all types of dental treatments. Whether you need a simple check-up or you want to improve your smile, you can come to us.
Advances in dental treatment make for a pleasant visit
If you have put off visiting the dentist for a few years, you might be surprised by how welcoming our practice is. Our staff are trained to put you at ease, and make sure you are comfortable, even if you are feeling anxious. There have been many advances in dental technology in recent years, making it much more efficient and gentler. Here at Walkerston Dental we do our best to keep up with the latest technology, ensuring you benefit from the most advanced equipment and techniques. When it comes to safety and cleanliness, you can be assured that we comply with the latest standards.
There is no reason to put off having dental treatment in Mackay. Book an appointment with us now to make sure your teeth are as healthy as can be.
The importance of regular dental visits
It is important to visit a dentist in Mackay for regular check-ups to make sure your teeth stay healthy. Here at Walkerston Dental in Walkerston we recommend our patients visit us every 6 months to a year for a check-up and clean.
Get really clean teeth with a scale and polish
You might think you can clean your teeth perfectly well at home with a toothbrush, but it is still a good idea to visit us regularly for a scale and polish. There are naturally lots of little nooks and crannies between the teeth that are very hard to reach with your home toothbrush. Professional cleaning will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, not only cleaning them but also making them much healthier. Plaque and tartar build-up can contribute to gum disease, cavities and tooth decay.
You may have heard that having your teeth scaled can be quite uncomfortable, but if you have it done regularly this will reduce the discomfort greatly, as a stubborn build-up of plaque will require the dentist to work harder to remove it.
Reasons to visit a dentist in Mackay
Many of us only visit a dentist in Mackay when we have pain or an obvious dental problem. But by having regular check-ups you have a chance to catch potential problems early and prevent them from getting worse.
Even if you do visit your dentist for regular check-ups, you may have a problem come up that requires you to see a dentist in Mackay. If you have any tooth pain, it is generally an indicator of a problem so you should give us a call and schedule an appointment to get it checked out. If you crack or lose a tooth it should be treated as a dental emergency and you should call us immediately.
Don’t be scared to visit a dentist in Mackay
Lots of people are scared to visit the dentist, which usually stems from hearing horror stories or an unfortunate visit that resulted in a pain. Dental technology has advanced a lot in recent years, and there are many ways of putting you at ease and preventing pain during treatment. Getting treatment early can prevent problems becoming more serious.
