What Is Considered As A Dental Emergency? When To See An Emergency Dentist

By Author: Dr. Abhay Kohli
Total Articles: 40
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Dental Emergencies are extremely painful & need instant care. Whether you feel a sudden toothache or get your tooth knocked out, all these conditions fall in the dental emergency in Sydney. So it’s important to keep your head calm & get an instant treatment to prevent permanent damage or loss of tooth/teeth.

Dental issues don’t always come with a warning. No problem now and then suddenly you get pain, a broken tooth, or swelling. That’s why you must be aware of what is a dental emergency and when to see an emergency dentist. We always think it will disappear, but some issues turn dangerous in a couple of minutes and result in damaged teeth. It is important to recognise dental emergency symptoms for urgent treatment. Acting quickly will relieve your pain, save your teeth, and prevent further complications.

In this blog, we’ll cover what are the dental emergency symptoms and when to see an emergency dentist. Being informed means being prepared, which can make all the difference in an emergency.

What Is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergency is a serious teeth issue, mouth, or gums that ...
... must be addressed right away. It could be a tooth that’s been knocked out, pain that’s severe, bleeding, or swelling that aches eating or speaking. It can happen suddenly and ache, so they can’t be ignored. Getting help right away can stop the pain, prevent infection, and even save your tooth. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Why Is It Important to Know the Dental Emergency Symptoms?
It is crucial to know the signs of dental emergencies because it allows you to respond early and prevent further complications. Some issues may appear minor initially but may rapidly become serious unless addressed. The sooner you visit a medical facility, the better your chances are of saving your tooth and stopping the pain. The signs inform you when to visit an emergency dentist and prevent further damage.

What Are Common Dental Emergency Symptoms?
Severe or constant toothache
Persistent toothache is a sign of infection, decay, or damage deep inside the tooth.It’s your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Don’t ignore it, see our dentist straight away.
Swollen face or gums
Swollen cheeks, gums, or jaw may be an indication of abscess or infection. It can turn serious and spread rapidly if not treated. Have it checked at the earliest.
A loose or knocked-out tooth
It’s an emergency if you’re knocked out or lose a tooth. The sooner you call our dentist, the better your chances of saving your tooth.
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
Broken tooth due to biting anything hard or an accident, can be painful and can give access to the nerve. There’s more possibility of infection so don’t waste time in getting it treated.
Bleeding from the mouth which won’t stop
Bleeding mouth that doesn’t stop could be a sign of a serious dental issue. This needs urgent dental care, especially if it’s from an injury or gum disease.
Pain when biting or chewing
Pain while eating might mean you’ve cracked a tooth or have a cavity. It is a sign of a loose filling or infection. It’s best to get it looked at before it gets worse.
Infection signs (e.g., bad taste or pus in your mouth)
Pus, a bad smell, or a strange taste could be a sign of an infection. These are extremely serious symptoms and must be examined immediately to prevent further damage and harm to other teeth.
Numbness in your mouth
Losing feeling in your mouth may signal an infection spreading or pressing on nerves. This is not normal and should be checked by a dentist straight away.
Jaw Pain
Ache or discomfort in your jaw, perhaps due to infection, injury, or a joint issue. If not treated, it will influence the way you eat, speak, and open your mouth.
Broken or cracked crowns, fillings, or bridges
Broken dental fillings or crowns break or fall out leaving your tooth exposed and sensitive. You’ll want to fix it quickly to avoid more damage or pain.
These are signs that you should watch out for in an emergency dental clinic. Having a sense of when you realise an emergency dentist will prevent further damage or complications from occurring. Our emergency dentist is not too far away; don’t hesitate to call them.

What Can Happen if You Ignore a Dental Emergency?
Increased Pain
Ignoring a dental emergency can worsen pain and increase discomfort.
Tooth Loss
Delayed treatment will cause permanent tooth loss, particularly if it is infected, cracked, or knocked out.
Infection
Untreated conditions such as rot or abscess can cause infections to spread into your body, face, or mouth.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth
A cracked tooth or damaged filling can cause further damage to nearby teeth if untreated.
Longer Recovery Time
Delaying treatment can make the problem worse, requiring longer or more invasive care.
Costly Treatments
Waiting too long can complicate and increase the cost of treatment.
Trouble Eating and Speaking
Ignoring dental emergencies may make eating, chewing, or speaking painful or challenging.
Infection Spread
A neglected infection may spread to your sinuses, jaw, or blood and cause severe health complications.
Permanently Damaged Jawbone or Gums
Infection or untreated trauma can lead to bone loss and permanently damage your gums and jaw.
Loss of Confidence
Left untreated dental problems can have havoc on your smile, damaging your confidence level and making you feel embarrassed.
What to Do While Waiting to See an Emergency Dentist
Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove any food stuck between your teeth.
Avoid aspirin
Don’t take painkillers like aspirin, as they can cause bleeding.
Knocked-out tooth
Try placing the tooth back in the socket or store it in a cup of milk to keep it alive.
Swelling
Apply a cold compress to your cheek or jaw to reduce swelling.
Pain relief
Use over-the-counter pain relievers, but follow the instructions carefully.
Stay calm
Keep calm and get to your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

How Can You Prevent Dental Emergencies in the Future?
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Wear a Mouthguard
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Address Dental Problems Early
Stop Smoking
Eat a Balanced Diet
Drink Plenty of Water
Avoid Excessive Alcohol
Where Can You Find an Emergency Dentist Near You?
If you face any dental emergency, you will search for where and when to see an emergency dentist nearby. Browse online or ask your relatives and friends about local emergency dental centres. Miranda Dental Centre’s experienced dentists are ready to tackle any dental emergency. If you have no idea when to go to an emergency dentist, then call us to get assistance. Prompt treatment will stop further damage, save your teeth, and relieve pain.

Final Thought
Knowing what is a dental emergency can help you recognise common dental emergency symptoms. Acting quickly can protect your teeth and health. Acting fast and getting professional care prevents bigger problems and speeds up recovery.

Looking for an emergency dentist? Miranda Dental Centre experts are here to help.

Dr. Abhay Kohli – Principal Dentist, Miranda Dental Centre
Dr. Abhay Kohli is an experienced and gentle dentist with a special interest in Implants, Orthodontics, and Sleep Dentistry. He holds advanced training in implantology, orthodontics, and TMJ care, and is a member of ADA, ICOI, and AADSM. He sees patients full-time, including weekends, at Miranda Dental Centre.

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