Dental emergencies can occur at any time and cause severe pain or discomfort that requires urgent treatment. Having an emergency dentist available to provide immediate dental care is crucial for resolving dental issues quickly before they worsen. This article outlines the most common dental emergencies and how to deal with them if you experience one.
- Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the gums due to a bacterial infection. Abscesses commonly occur when there is advanced tooth decay or due to cracked teeth. Symptoms of an abscess include throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, bad breath, swollen gums, and fever. The pain can become severe, and you may see swelling around the cheek or gum area.
If you suspect an abscess, contact our emergency dentist immediately, as urgent dental treatment is required. The abscess needs to be drained and the infection cleared. Antibiotics may be given to treat the infection. The affected tooth will then need a root canal treatment or extraction if it cannot be saved. Leaving an abscess untreated can cause the infection to spread to other teeth, gums, and eventually the bloodstream. Rinse your mouth using a mild water solution and apply ice to the swollen part for temporary relief.
- Toothache
A sudden, severe toothache indicates that something is wrong with the tooth. Common causes of toothache include tooth decay, damaged fillings, cracked or chipped teeth, gum disease, or teeth grinding. The pain may be sharp and piercing, come and go, or be continuous. Self-care measures such as taking over-the-counter pain medication or using topical dental gel provide temporary relief but do not treat the underlying problem.
You should see your emergency dentist if the toothache persists for more than 1-2 days or is severe. The affected tooth will be examined and diagnosed through X-rays. Treatment depends on the cause but may involve fillings, root canal therapy, or other dental procedures to fix the tooth. Getting emergency dental treatment quickly can prevent simple toothaches from progressing into more complex dental issues.
- Dental Injury/Knocked Out Tooth
Dental injuries are common emergency situations, especially for children who fall and hit their teeth. A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency needing immediate attention. The goal is to reimplant the tooth back into the socket to save it. Pick the tooth up by the crown, avoid the root, rinse gently if it is dirty, and store it in milk/saliva prior to seeing the dentist. Time is critical for successful reimplantation.
For cracked, broken, or displaced teeth due to injury, seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. The dentist will reposition, splint, or bond damaged teeth. Root canals or dental crowns may be necessary later to restore their form and function.
- Lost crowns/fillings/loose dentures
If a dental crown, filling, or inlay suddenly falls out, keep the tooth fragment and see your dentist immediately. The tooth without the crown is vulnerable, and leaving it exposed can lead to infection or further decay. The dentist will reattach the crown securely back onto the tooth or fit you with a temporary crown.
Partial dentures that break or no longer fit should also receive urgent attention. Avoid using any loose or damaged denture as it may cause further trauma. The emergency dentist can realign, reattach, or repair broken dentures. In the meantime, we can provide a temporary replacement denture so you can comfortably eat and speak.
How to Choose an Emergency Dentist?
Experiencing a dental emergency outside of usual clinic hours? Here are tips for choosing an emergency dental clinic in your area:
- Search for ‘emergency dentist near me’ online and call a few clinics to compare availability and costs. Check reviews and confirm they can handle your specific dental emergency.
- Choose an emergency dental clinic close to your location for quick access and minimum travel time when you are in pain or distress.
- Look for dentists available on weekends or after hours or open 24/7 to provide immediate out-of-hours dental treatment.
- Ask if they offer emergency treatment plans, financing options, or dental savings plans to make care affordable.
- Ensure the dentists are qualified and experienced and use modern equipment and techniques.
- Confirm they follow strict disinfection and sterilization protocols for patient safety and prevention of infection.
Bottom Line
Dental emergencies like infections, toothaches, injuries, or lost fillings/crowns can occur unexpectedly. Waiting to treat dental problems can risk more serious and costly complications. Our Bayswater emergency dentist provides urgent dental care, even outside normal clinic hours, to resolve dental issues promptly. Contact us to schedule emergency dental treatment if you experience severe dental pain, swelling, injuries, or lost crowns/fillings. We are available for after-hours and weekend dental appointments and can help take care of your dental emergencies.