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Like most people, you probably don’t think much about emergency dental care until you need it. Then, it can be a real lifesaver.
Emergency dental care is any dental treatment needed to relieve pain or save a tooth in an urgent situation.
It can be as simple as getting a filling for a cavity or as complex as having surgery to save a tooth that has been knocked out. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about emergency dental care in Perth.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental issue that requires immediate attention from a dentist. Dental emergencies can range from a toothache to a cracked tooth to a knocked-out tooth. If you have a dental emergency, you must see a dentist as soon as possible or visit a clinic.
What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can include
- A tooth that has been knocked out, cracked or chipped,
- Objects caught between teeth,
- Severe toothache pain, infection, or uncontrolled bleeding.
- Dental abscesses
- A painful tooth that has lasted several days
A dental crown is susceptible to damage, requiring you to seek dental treatment. Depending on the severity of the emergency, you may need to see a dentist immediately or go to the hospital.
What’s Not Considered a Dental Emergency?
There are a few times when you may think you have a dental emergency on your hands, but it turns out that it’s not as serious as you thought. Here are a few examples of what’s not considered a dental emergency:
- A chipped tooth that doesn’t hurt
- A slightly loose tooth
- A small crack in your tooth
- Mild gum swelling or bleeding
7 Top Common Dental Emergencies
1. Tooth Loose
If you have a loose tooth, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. A loose tooth can be caused by many things, such as gum disease, teeth grinding (bruxism), or an injury. If the tooth is not treated, it may fall out on its own, which can cause problems with eating and speaking. Additionally, a loose tooth can lead to infections in the gums and jawbone.
2. Crack or Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth is not only unsightly, but it can also be quite painful. If you have a chipped tooth, it’s important to see a dentist right away. A cracked tooth can become infected, and if left untreated, an infection can spread to the rest of your body. A chipped tooth can also cause pain and sensitivity; if the chip is large enough, it can affect your eating and speaking ability.
3. Lost Fillings and Crown
When you lose a filling or crown, it can be a very painful experience. This is because the exposed tooth is now susceptible to hot and cold temperatures and biting and chewing pressure.
4. Bleeding and Aching Gums
You must see a dentist immediately if you have bleeding or aching gums. This could be a sign of gingivitis, an early gum disease stage. If left untreated, gum disease can progress and lead to tooth loss. A dentist can diagnose and treat gum disease, so it is important to seek professional help if you think you may have this condition.
5. Symptoms of Abscesses
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when bacteria and debris build up in the soft tissue inside the tooth. The infection can cause pain, swelling, redness, and even facial swelling. If left untreated, an abscess can lead to serious health problems, including sepsis (a life-threatening condition caused by infection).
6. Severe Toothaches
A severe toothache can be a sign of a serious dental problem. If you have a toothache, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. A toothache that lasts longer than two days or that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, earache, or jaw pain, maybe a sign of a dental emergency.
7. Swollen Jaw
A swollen jaw is often a sign of a dental emergency. The most common cause of a swollen jaw is an abscessed tooth, a bacterial infection reaching the tooth’s root. If you have a swollen jaw, it is important to see a dentist immediately to treat the underlying cause.
What Should You Do If You Have A Dental Emergency?
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, you need to come in for immediate treatment. However, if you cannot make it to the emergency clinic on time, you can take some measures to stop the severe pain. If you have a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it, and then put a cold compress on your cheek to numb the pain. You can also take ibuprofen for pain relief.
If you’ve lost a crown or filling, put a piece of sugarless gum in the cavity or use dental cement from the drugstore to temporarily fill the hole.
If a tooth is knocked out, rinse your mouth with some warm water and put a cold gauze or compress on your cheek. Save any broken pieces of tooth and bring them with you to the dentist. You can keep the broken tooth in a container of milk.
Also, never fail to contact your dentist for advice on emergency treatment suitable for you.
Visit the emergency department of any hospital closest to you or book emergency appointments at your preferred dental clinic
The cost of emergency dental services in Brisbane differs by the dental clinics. Some emergency treatments may involve extraction or a root canal treatment.
Best Ways To Prevent Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be painful and scary. They can also be expensive to treat. That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Brush and floss your teeth every day.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
- Wear a mouth guard if you play sports.
- Be careful with hard foods, and avoid chewing on ice or hard candy.
- If you have a toothache, see your dentist as soon as possible.
FAQs
What Is The Most Common Dental Emergency?
A toothache is the most typical urgent dental care issue. Possible causes include tooth decay and clenching and grinding of the teeth. A toothache can be alleviated by rinsing the mouth with warm water and flossing the affected area.
Is A Cavity A Dental Emergency?
If you have a cavity and don’t have it fixed, it might spread and threaten the health of your tooth. At this point, Cavities are now considered a dental emergency that must be treated immediately.
Is A Cracked Filling An Emergency?
It’s not always an emergency if a filling falls out or cracks. If the pain is extreme, you may have a dental emergency.
Is A Toothache Considered A Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is when you have a toothache that lasts more than one or two days and causes much pain or discomfort.
What Does An Emergency Dentist Do?
An emergency dentist is trained to help with all dental problems, from broken teeth to jaws that have moved out of place.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. They can be scary and painful but they don’t have to be. You can avoid many common dental emergencies with little prevention and knowledge.
We hope this blog post has helped you better understand emergency dental care. If you have any questions or if you need to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
My implant Dentist offers emergency services for all of your dental needs. Give us a call today to book a dental appointment.
