Dental Emergency: When You Need to Visit the Hospital?

Dental emergencies are a regular occurrence in Australia.  Approximately 15% of Australians seek emergency dental care annually. With a population of 27 million people, that’s a considerably large number. Knowing when to seek emergency dental care is vital to managing your pain and discomfort. If you’re experiencing chronic bleeding, inflammation, swelling, infection or tooth loss, these are common reasons to visit an emergency dental hospital promptly.

Signs & Symptoms to Recognise When it Comes to a Dental Emergency

Emergency dental issues are generally accompanied with symptoms such as bleeding, inflammation, infection, knocked out tooth, swelling and pain. If any of these issues are present, don’t waste time – get yourself to a hospital as fast as you can so you can receive the dental attention you need.  If left too long, you risk making things worse, potentially causing permanent damage to your tooth, as well as increasing the likelihood of infection. 

Whether you have a sporting injury caused by a fracture, oral trauma that makes it difficult to breathe, chronic gum disease or excessive bleeding, visiting an emergency dental clinic or local hospital is vital. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t sleep on it. It’s important to remember, no matter if it’s an ongoing dental issue or unexpected oral injury, early intervention is key to a positive dental outcome, rapid management and speedy recovery.

https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/dental-adult

Common reasons that lead to a dental emergency

Some common causes of dental emergencies can be varied. Whether from an accident, sporting injury or chronic tooth infection, it’s important to receive prompt attention during a dental crisis.

1. Tooth Infections: A tooth infection often occurs when bacteria is present, causing swelling, throbbing pain, and in more serious cases, difficulty breathing and fever. If you have any of these symptoms, seek an emergency dentist immediately. Receiving prompt treatment will not only prevent the infection from getting worse and spreading, it protects your oral health in the long term. Antibiotics may also be administered to help treat the pain and infection.
2. Tooth Loss: If you have a loose tooth due to gum disease, you must visit an emergency dentist as quickly as possible. Rapid treatment will alleviate pain, minimise the risk of further damage, and save your tooth/teeth from complete loss. Your dentist will also assess the issue and help protect your oral health.
3. Dental Trauma: A fractured, broken or chipped tooth should be addressed immediately. Professional dental attention is the best course of action if you’ve been involved in an accident or sporting injury.

Other issues that may warrant an emergency situation includes a wobbly tooth, gum tissue damage, gum bleeding, bad taste in your mouth, dull tooth ache or swelling and inflammation. If you’re experiencing any of these obvious warning signs, you should get in touch with an after-hours emergency dental service for prompt treatment. If symptoms become chronic, visit your local emergency dental hospital immediately.

Low-cost dental services are available from Canberra Health Services in a variety of locations throughout the ACT. Click on the link below:

https://adacas.org.au/information-resources/looking-after-your-physical-health/dental-care

The best ways to manage pain & discomfort associated with dental issues at home

There are multiple ways to manage pain at home, giving you the temporary relief you need until you visit the dentist. Some common tips include:

• Taking over the counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen & Paracetamol
• Gargling warm salt water to reduce bacteria
• If swelling & inflammation is causing you pain, try applying a cold compress to the cheek and mouth area to reduce swelling
• Sometimes, trapped food in between your teeth can contribute to sudden pain. Try flossing around the tooth to dislodge and clean the affected tooth area
• A mild antiseptic mouth wash can help provide temporary relief

It’s important to address the underlying cause of pain to ensure you get the correct diagnosis and dental treatment available. If the pain persists and doesn’t go away, it’s your sign to seek an emergency dentist right away.

How to best prepare for a dental emergency

Being prepared for a dental emergency will give you the clarity to know what to do when an unexpected situation arises. If you can understand the general signs and symptoms associated with severe/chronic dental pain, you’ll be in a much better position to seek professional help when needed.

Furthermore, it’s even more important to recognise what to do when pain and discomfort hits, taking vital steps to manage this at home as best as possible.

Avoiding future dental emergencies begins with educating yourself on the potential risks involved. If you’re aware of when you need to see your local dentist for an emergency or visiting a dental hospital, you will be better equipped to handle a dental emergency in long run.

We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful, and we are here to make sure you get the help you need. Get in touch with our dental team, or if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, drop into our dental practice in Canberra for the fastest and most reliable care.

You may be able to access emergency dental services if you meet the emergency criteria after being triaged. Click on the link below to find out more:

https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/dental-adult