No one anticipates a dental emergency until they’re in the throes of one. Even when you’ve never missed a regular dental check-up, you can sometimes experience dental pain. More often than not, dental pain can be a minor issue that resolves on its own. However, sometimes, it can be excruciatingly painful and might need emergency dental care from a professional emergency dentist. But how do you know when dental pain is an emergency?
Well, that’s exactly what we’ll be breaking down today. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to dental emergencies. So read until the end so you don’t miss anything ensuring you’re prepared when and if any dental emergency occurs.
When is Dental Pain an Emergency?
Dental pain can come in different ways, with or without any telltale signs. Here are some situations that let you know that the pain you’re experiencing is considered a dental emergency:
- Severe Pain
If you’re experiencing severe and sustained pain in your tooth, mouth, or jaw, it’s a major warning sign that you need to see an emergency dentist immediately.
- Infection
Typically, a toothache can indicate the presence of an infection, decay or cavity in your teeth. There could be chances of this infection spreading to other parts of your mouth leading to severe health consequences. So this can also be considered as a dental emergency.
- Bleeding
Bleeding that won’t stop is one of the most easy to spot signs of a dental emergency. No matter what you believe the reason might be, whether you had a dental implant recently and think it’s normal for extensive bleeding, it is not. It is a clear sign that you need to visit an emergency dentist immediately.
- Swelling
Swelling or numbness in the mouth or facial area can also be a sign of an infection. If you see no apparent reason for swelling and are experiencing pain, this is when dental pain is an emergency.
- Trauma
If you accidentally knocked a tooth out or just chipped or cracked it, or, in more severe conditions, have broken facial bones, you require emergency dental treatment.
In any case, if you’re in severe pain, have a fever, or are experiencing swelling or bleeding that cannot be controlled, don’t delay contacting your emergency dentist or visiting a dental clinic that offers emergency dental care.
Bonus Content: Why Regular Dental Checkups are Important?
What to do in a dental emergency?
So now that you know how to tell when dental pain is an emergency, what do you do when there’s such an emergency? Well, here are some steps you can follow:
- Stay Calm
It’s understandable to feel anxious but staying calm can help you think more clearly and effectively address the situation.
- Contact an Emergency Dentist
If you’re in a dental emergency during regular business hours, you can visit a dental clinic near you that offers emergency dental treatment. If you contact an emergency dentist by phone, they can also give you guidance on what your next step should be. If you are near Surrey Hills area, you can also visit our clinic at Dentists at Surrey Hills to get professional dental treatment.
- Seek Immediate Care
If a dental emergency happens outside of regular office hours or your dentist is unavailable, seek immediate care at an emergency dental clinic or hospital emergency room.
- Manage Pain
While waiting for professional help, you can manage pain by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling, and taking over-the-counter pain medication.
- Handle Dental Trauma
If a tooth is knocked out, try to handle it carefully by the crown (top part) and rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible, but avoid touching the root. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva and seek dental care immediately.
- Control Bleeding
If there is bleeding from the mouth, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a cloth to help control it. Avoid aspirin or aspirin-based medications as they can increase bleeding.
- Follow Up
After receiving emergency dental care, follow any instructions provided by your dentist for post-treatment care and follow-up appointments.
Remember, prompt action during a dental emergency can help alleviate pain, prevent complications, and preserve oral health. Always prioritise seeking professional emergency dental care when needed.
FAQs
- What is Emergency Dental Care?
Emergency dental care refers to the immediate treatment provided for dental problems that require urgent attention such as severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken or chipped teeth, infections, and injuries to the mouth. It aims to alleviate pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, and prevent future dental issues.
- How much does emergency dental cost?
How much an emergency dental treatment may cost cannot be put into a general number. It varies case-by-case and depends on a number of factors. However, here are some averages of costs for different types of emergency dental treatments:
- Fixing a chipped tooth might cost between $250-$350.
- An emergency root canal could be in the region of $900-$1,100.
- An extraction could cost $200-$600.
Please note that these are just estimates and the actual cost may vary.
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