Dental emergencies can happen without warning and can be very painful, leaving people unsure of what to do and when to take action. It is important to know the difference between urgent dental care and the less serious problems in order to ensure your oral health and overall well-being.
What is, for sure, a dental emergency?
A real dental emergency is one that requires urgent professional treatment for the teeth, gum, jaw, or mouth. These scenarios typically include intense pain, massive bleeding (that cannot be stopped), facial swelling or trauma that could cause more permanent damage if not treated immediately.
Some examples of what constitute a true dental emergency are:
- Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Persistent and serious tooth pain.
- Bleeding from the mouth that you can’t get to stop after applying pressure for 15 minutes
- Abscess or spreading facial swelling
- You have a fractured tooth that’s hurting like hell because the nerve is exposed.
- Dislocated jaw or fractured facial bones
Any one of these problems can rapidly develop into a more serious matter if not addressed, which is why it is so important to get in to see a Dubbo dentist as soon as possible.
What are the dental problems that are considered not as an emergency?
One thing is not all dental emergencies are actually emergencies! So, they may still need fast attention, but there are some things that can often be postponed until the next available appointment. Examples include:
- Minor tooth sensitivity
- Tiny chips and small fractures do not cause any pain
- Missing fillings or crowns (unless systemic attention is required)
- Braces wires We care for broken braces wires if they are not causing harm to the tissue
While annoying, such limitations typically will not cause anything serious… as long as you remedy them in a reasonable time frame.
What are the warning signs for which you need to take action?
Identifying signs that indicate a real dental emergency can prevent severe damage:
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums that you can’t stop
- Extreme, constant toothache that does not go away with OTC pain relief
- Fast-growing swelling in the face or jaw
- Toothache and high fever
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Tooth completely knocked out due to injury
If you have any unexplained dental abnormalities, call your emergecy dentist Dubbo right away.
What constitutes a real dental emergency vs not?
Distinction between emergencies and non-emergencies The following table immediately shows us the distinction between true emergencies and non-emergencies:
True Dental Emergencies vs. Non-Emergencies
| Condition | Emergency? | Action |
| Knocked-out tooth | Yes | Keep moist (milk or saline) and see dentist immediately |
| Severe toothache | Yes | Contact dentist, avoid delays |
| Bleeding gums | If uncontrollable | Seek emergency dental care |
| Lost filling/crown | Usually not | Book a routine appointment |
| Minor chipped tooth | Usually not | Schedule non-urgent dentist visit |
| Abscess/facial swelling | Yes | Contact emergency dentist immediately |
Immediate First Aid Steps for Common Dental Emergencies
| Emergency | First Aid |
| Knocked-out tooth | Pick up by crown, rinse gently, reinsert if possible or store in milk, get to dentist ASAP |
| Broken tooth | Rinse mouth, save fragments, apply cold compress, call dentist |
| Uncontrolled bleeding | Bite on gauze for 15 min, seek emergency care if bleeding continues |
| Abscess or swelling | Rinse gently with warm saline water, use cold compress, contact dentist immediately |
| Broken braces wire | Cover sharp end with orthodontic wax, schedule a dental appointment |
Why is immediate treatment necessary in case of a dental emergency?
Failure to get treatment for a dental emergency could lead to some serious consequences. For instance, an untreated abscess could result in infection spreading to other parts of the body, while a knocked-out tooth has to be put back in quickly if it’s going to survive.
Acting quickly can:
- Prevent permanent tooth loss
- Minimize the requirement for advanced treatment options
- Stop infections from spreading
- Protect your general health
How To Get Fast Emergency Dental Care?
If you suffer any of these signs, make sure you reach out to an emergency dentist. Several dentists offer after hours and weekend dental services to accommodate such special circumstances.
When you call, delineate your symptoms, how long they’ve been going on for, whether you have any swelling, fever or bleeding. It also helps the dentist schedule your appointment accordingly.
Why to trust Southlakes Dental with all your emergencies!
In the event you experience a dental emergency, you want an experienced team that can attend to your emergency dental needs with skill and promptness. We know how upsetting dental emergencies can be and our team is here to offer the same day, gentle care to ease your pain and maintain the health of your mouth at Southlakes Dental.
Our expert dentists are well-versed at handling all types of emergencies from lost teeth to extreme abscesses to jaw damage. We have access to the latest technology and an experienced team of experts who will be able to respond decisively to maximise the benefits for you. Whether you require after-hours dental care or an immediate appointment during normal business hours, Southlakes Dental is the dental practice you can always count on.
References
- Australian Dental Association – Dental Emergencies
- Healthdirect Australia – Dental Emergency Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do I do if I get my tooth knocked out?
If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse it in water, and then try to place it in the socket. If you can’t- keep it in milk and call us or the dentist.
Does a toothache qualify for out-of-cycle care?
If you have a mild, occasional toothache, you may have the luxury of a little more time to make that appointment. Butaboutsudden bouts of severe tooth pain are not likely to be taken.
What if I have puffiness in my face or jaw?
Facial swelling can be a sign of an infection and should be seen by a dentist asap. Do not delay seeking care.
Is bleeding gums in every case a dental emergency?
It is not usually an emergency if there is minor bleeding when brushing also. But if the bleeding is heavy or it won’t stop, then it’s a dental emergency and you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Could a missing filling or crown be a dental emergency?
Generally, no. If the lost filling or crown is causing pain, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
What will happen if I leave a dental abscess untreated?
A dental abscess is too serious to ignore as the infection can spread to other areas of the body where it may become life threatening. Consult your dentist for immediate treatment.