Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?

Dental emergencies are dreaded occurrences but can strike at any time. When it comes to one’s teeth it can sometimes be hard to gauge whether the pain, discomfort, or dental anomaly you’re experiencing is a true emergency, or can wait till your next appointment. But some injuries need a prompt response, and Townsville Dentist is here with some information on when you ought to call us. Read on to learn more.

What constitutes as an emergency?

First things first – what constitutes an emergency? Sudden onset icing of the teeth or a chipped tooth can feel painful, and stressful, but truth is not all dental emergencies are equal. Because emergency appointments are naturally more expensive, and your dentist values their sleep and schedule, too, here’s a checklist of times when you should pick up the phone and call us right away. Here are some of the cases when you should enquire about an emergency appointment:

• If you are in severe pain
• If you experience bleeding or severe swelling
• If you have lost a tooth. An emergency appointment may see your tooth reattached
• If you are experiencing an infection
• If you are unsure, give us a call

What not to do

If you are having a genuine dental emergency, such as an infection or needing a tooth pulled right away, there’s no point going to the emergency room. What they are most likely to do is prescribe antibiotics or painkillers and send you on your away to the dentist. Only a registered dentist can perform dental emergency services, which is why they should always be your first port of call. No matter when the emergency strikes, give your dentist a call and ask them what they think you should do. Another no-no is waiting till the next available appointment regardless of the severity of your dental situation. Also make sure you do NOT put oil of cloves on the area that is sore as this will cause a chemical burn.

Avoiding a dental emergency

So you might have figured that dental emergencies are uncomfortable, potentially pricey, and scary experiences. The most common dental emergencies include cracked and knocked out teeth, dental crowns coming off, infections, and a broken or painful jaw. How can you minimise the chances of experiencing a dental emergency?

• Wear mouthguards when playing sports
• Take good care of your teeth (floss, rinse, brush)
• Avoid popcorn, boiled candy, caramel and other foods that are tough on teeth
• Make regular dentist visits a priority

Do you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency?

Many dental emergencies require prompt tending to by a qualified dentist to ensure your safety, and the best outcome. That’s why we always suggest they call us whenever our patients fear they may be experiencing an urgent dental emergency. We’ll calmly assess the situation and can provide expert advice on how to reduce pain, swelling, bleeding, and whether a prompt visit is required.

Are you in Townsville, in need of emergency services? Call us now on 07 4729 0241.