Emergency Dental Care: When Your Teeth Need Help ASAP

Dentist Blog

A dental emergency can occur at any time, leaving you in pain and needing immediate attention. The sudden onset of severe dental pain, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken tooth can be stressful and frightening, especially if it happens outside of regular dental office hours. In such situations, an emergency dentist can be a lifesaver. 

When You Might Need Emergency Dental Care 

An emergency dentist is a dental professional who specialises in handling unexpected dental problems, such as toothaches, broken teeth, or other issues that need immediate attention. They offer a range of services to help you get relief from dental pain, such as: 

  1. Toothache relief: A toothache can be excruciating, making it difficult to eat or sleep. An emergency dentist can diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache, whether it's a cavity or an infection, to provide pain relief. 
  2. Repairs for a cracked, chipped or broken tooth: A broken or chipped tooth can be unsightly and painful. An emergency dentist can repair or restore your tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. They can also provide a temporary fix if you need a more permanent solution. 
  3. Treatment for gum swelling or bleeding: Gum swelling or bleeding is a sign of a serious dental problem that requires immediate attention. An emergency dentist can identify and treat the underlying cause, such as an abscess or gum disease. 
  4. Re-implantation of a knocked-out tooth: A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires urgent attention. An emergency dentist can re-implant the tooth and minimise the damage, increasing the chances of saving the tooth. 

How To Access An Emergency Dentist 

If you're experiencing a dental emergency, it's essential to seek immediate attention. Delaying treatment can cause the problem to worsen, leading to more severe pain and complications. Here's how you can access an emergency dentist: 

  1. Contact your regular dentist: Your regular dentist may offer emergency dental services or be able to refer you to an emergency dentist. Many dental clinics have an after-hours answering service or voicemail system that can guide you on what to do in case of a dental emergency. 
  2. Use online resources: You can search online for emergency dental services in your area. Many emergency dental clinics have websites that provide information about their services, operating hours, and contact information. 
  3. Call your local hospital: If you're unable to find an emergency dentist, you can call your local hospital. They can direct you to the nearest dental emergency service. 

A dental emergency can be a stressful and painful experience, but an emergency dentist can provide the necessary care to help you feel better quickly. They offer a range of services that can provide relief for toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, gum swelling or bleeding, and knocked-out teeth. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, it's important to seek immediate attention to avoid complications. Contact your regular dentist, use online resources or call your local hospital if you need access to an emergency dentist. Remember that getting treatment as soon as possible is key to preserving your dental health and preventing further complications. 

Contact an emergency dentist for more information. 

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17 February 2023

Teeth And Tears: Dental Dramas Of A School Nurse

I have worked as a school nurse for decades. Children come to me with all sorts of scrapes and bumps and bruises. Black eyes from playing football, sprained wrists from falling off the monkey bars and stomachaches from too many sweets are common complaints. However, the issue that seems to cause the greatest angst is tooth problems. Sometimes a child will have a second tooth knocked out when playing sport and parents arrive in tears. At other times, children come to my office crying because their friends are teasing them about teeth that are discoloured or stick out. I take an active interest in the latest dental news so that I can give parents and children comfort and advice. I have included some of my collected wisdom on these pages. Perhaps this information can help you understand some options when faced with a dental problem. Thank you for reading.