What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can be sudden, painful, and distressing. Recognising what constitutes a dental emergency is essential for preserving your oral health and avoiding further complications. Some of the most common dental emergencies include:
Tooth Pain
Severe toothaches or sudden tooth pain often signal a deeper issue like an infection, cavity, or damage to the nerves of the tooth. Pain that lasts a long time in the mouth, particularly in the jaw or teeth, suggests that one needs emergency dental care, and these signs should not be disregarded.
Knocked Out Tooth
A tooth that has been knocked out as a result of some injury or trauma is an emergency. Knowing how to respond in such scenarios and, more importantly, obtaining the necessary treatment increases the possibility of preserving the tooth. Urgent care dentists are able to put back a tooth drawn out from its socket if the patient is treated in time.
Chipped or Fractured Tooth
A chipped or fractured tooth resulting from an accident or simply biting down too hard on something is, of course, also a dental emergency—particularly if it brings pain or makes the inner teeth layers visible. It is, therefore, essential to seek dental attention as soon as possible for a chipped tooth. Otherwise, the chipped part will get worse, leading to other problems or even infection.
Identifying these indicators at an early stage and receiving emergency dental services from experts in a dental clinic can help save your teeth and avert any further escalation of the problems.
Why Choose Dental Excellence for Emergency Dental Care?
At Dental Excellence, we understand that it can be very difficult for one to encounter dental emergencies. Our emergency dentists are able to handle various dental crises not just with skill but with compassion as well. Patients come to us for urgent dental care for the following reasons:
Immediate Access to Emergency Services
Our dental clinic in Adelaide has the most modern dental technological equipment to provide effective, high-quality emergency dental services. Whether you have a dental abscess, broken dentures, or a toothache, we have appointments on the same day to treat the issues à la minute.
Comprehensive Care for All Dental Emergencies
From dental crowns and fillings to implants and dentures, emergency dentists are equipped to manage a number of urgent dental procedures. Whether you are faced with a fractured or knocked-out tooth or extreme gum problems, we have the capabilities and skills to rehabilitate your dentition as fast as possible.
After-Hours Care
Dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours, which is why we offer after-hours emergency dental services. Our patients can have peace of mind knowing that an experienced emergency dentist is available when they need urgent care, no matter the time.
Comfort and Support During Emergencies
It is apparent how much stress a dental emergency can cause, such as tooth loss, dental pain, or swelling. Our caring staff makes every effort to ensure that you are as comfortable and professionally cared for as possible throughout your dental emergency. There is always minimal pain, and function is restored, so everything goes smoothly without any stress.
What to Do During Dental Emergencies
Knowing what steps to take during a dental emergency can make all the difference in protecting your teeth and oral health. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in some common emergency scenarios:
Toothache or Tooth Pain
If you’re experiencing severe toothache or dental pain, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. You can also use over-the-counter pain relief and a cold compress to alleviate swelling. It’s important to schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible to address the underlying issue, whether it’s a cavity, infection, or dental abscess.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical for a knocked-out tooth. Retrieve the tooth, holding it by the crown (the part that’s visible above the gum), and rinse it with water. Avoid touching the root. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket or keep it in a container of milk or saliva until you can see an emergency dentist. Immediate treatment can increase the chances of saving the tooth.
Gum Problem (Bleeding, Swelling, Abscess)
If you have swollen gums, bleeding gum, or a dental abscess, rinse your mouth with salt water to help minimise the swelling. A tooth infection or abscess is a serious issue that must be controlled and treated as an emergency to avoid spreading. Consult an emergency dental service for abscessed gums as soon as possible, especially when you have pain and swelling or any discharge of pus around the gums.
Chipped or Fractured Tooth
If your tooth is chipped or fractured, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them to your dental appointment. Emergency dental care is needed to restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage or infection.
Broken Dental Appliance (Dental Implants, Braces, Crowns)
Broken dental implants, crowns, or braces can be painful and disrupt your oral health. If a dental crown falls off, attempt to retain the crown and refrain from biting down on the affected side of the mouth. When braces break, apply dental wax over any wire edges that might cause cuts in the mouth until an emergency dental service is reached. Timely repairs to dental appliances are crucial to avoid long-term damage.
During any dental emergency, it’s essential to remain calm and contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. At Dental Excellence, we are committed to providing the urgent care you need to restore your dental health and comfort.