Emergency dentistry is the branch of dentistry that handles diagnosing and treating dental problems that require immediate attention. It can be considered a subspecialty of general dentistry, and many emergency dentists are also general practitioners.
There are many dental emergencies, ranging from minor inconveniences to life-threatening situations. Common dental emergencies include toothaches, cracked or chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and gum disease.
Toothaches
One of the most common dental emergencies is a toothache. A toothache is usually caused by a cavity or an infection in the tooth. The pain can be mild to severe and may come and go. If you have a toothache, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Another typical dental emergency is a cracked or chipped tooth. This can happen if you bite down on something hard or have an accident. If the crack is severe, it can cause the tooth to break. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Knocked Out Teeth
If you have a tooth knocked out, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances are of having the tooth re-implanted.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is another common dental emergency. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. If you have gum disease, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Bleeding Gums
If you have bleeding gums, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease; if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
Extreme Pain
If you are in extreme pain, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Severe pain can be a sign of an infection; if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
How do dental emergencies work?
The first step in dealing with a dental emergency is to see a dentist as soon as possible. For example, you should see a dentist within 24 hours if you have a toothache. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, you should see a dentist within 48 hours. And if you have a knocked-out tooth, you should see a dentist within 2 hours.
Once you see a dentist, they will assess the situation and decide on the best course of treatment. For example, the dentist may clean the area and give you pain medication for minor problems, such as a toothache or a cracked tooth. However, the dentist may need to perform a root canal or other procedure for more severe issues, such as a knocked-out tooth.
What happens if you ignore an emergency dental issue?
If you ignore an emergency dental issue, it can lead to more severe problems. For example, if you have a toothache caused by an infection, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. And if you have a knocked-out tooth, the longer you wait to see a dentist, the less likely it is that the tooth can be re-implanted. Also, if you have gum disease, it can lead to tooth loss.
What are some tips for avoiding dental emergencies?
There are several things you can do to avoid dental emergencies. First, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Second, you should see a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. This will help to identify any problems early on. And third, you should avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy. This can help to prevent cracked or chipped teeth. Moreover, if you are playing a sport with a risk of injury, you should wear a mouthguard. This can help to protect your teeth from being knocked out.
What is not a dental emergency?
Not all dental problems are considered emergencies. For example, if you have a small chip in your tooth, you do not need to see a dentist immediately. The same is true for a toothache that is not severe. If the toothache is caused by something that can be removed, such as food stuck in your teeth, you can try to remove it yourself. However, if the toothache persists, then you should see a dentist.
In general, a dental emergency is any problem that requires immediate treatment from a dentist. However, if you are unsure whether your problem is an emergency, you should always err on the side of caution and see a dentist. No matter the problem, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential. Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful, but they don’t have to be. With the help of a qualified emergency dentist, you can get the treatment you need and return to your life. Call us at (02) 8074 1722 to book an appointment with a Designer Smiles dentist in case of an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
An emergency dentist is a dentist who is called upon to provide care for patients with dental emergencies. Dental emergencies can include anything from a broken tooth to an infection.
Emergency dentists typically have a range of services, such as root canals and tooth extractions. They may also be able to provide temporary fixes for damaged teeth, such as temporary crowns or bridges. Several different dental emergencies can occur. Some of the more common ones include:
- A tooth that has been knocked out
- A tooth that has been cracked or chipped
- An abscessed tooth
- A severe toothache
If you have any of these symptoms, you must see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with the care you need to ensure that your mouth is healthy and free from pain.
An emergency dentist will only extract a tooth if it is necessary. In most cases, a tooth can be saved with proper dental care. However, there are some instances when an extraction is the best course of action. These include:
- The tooth is severely damaged and cannot be repaired
- The tooth is infected, and the infection is spreading to other teeth
- The tooth is causing pain that cannot be relieved with medication
- The tooth is crowding other teeth and causing problems with bite alignment
In most cases, an emergency dentist will first attempt to save the tooth with a root canal or other procedure. If the tooth cannot be saved, then extraction will be recommended.
An emergency dentist is a dentist who specializes in treating dental emergencies. These emergencies can include anything from a cracked tooth to a lost filling. A regular dentist may not be able to see you immediately if you have a dental emergency, so it’s essential to find an emergency dentist who can see you as soon as possible. An emergency dentist generally has extended office hours and is available on weekends or holidays. They may also offer after-hours care for patients who cannot come in during regular office hours. Some dentists only see patients by appointment, so you must call ahead to ensure they can see you immediately. To confirm whether or not your regular dentist offers emergency dental care, you can call their office and ask.
Dental emergencies can be terrifying, but with a few simple steps, you can usually take care of the problem until you can see your dentist. If you have a dental emergency, try rinsing your mouth with water to clean it as best as possible. If there is any bleeding, put a cold compress on the area to help stop the bleeding. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, gently clean it off and try to reattach it to the socket if possible. If you are in pain, take an over-the-counter painkiller.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call your dentist right away. If you don’t have a regular dentist, you can find an emergency dentist in your area by searching online or contacting your local dental society.
At your emergency dental visit, the dentist will assess the situation and determine the best course of action. This may involve providing pain relief, treating the underlying problem, or making arrangements to see a specialist. When you enter the dental office, you will be asked to fill out a medical history form. This form is essential as it helps the dentist to understand your overall health and any potential allergies or sensitivities you may have. After taking your medical history, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums. They will look for any signs of infection, decay, or damage. If necessary, they may take X-rays to view the problem better. Once the dentist has diagnosed the problem, they will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the problem. For example, if you have a tooth that is cracked or chipped, the dentist may smooth out the edges of the tooth. If you have a more severe problem, such as a tooth knocked out, the dentist may need to perform more involved procedures. No matter what the problem is, the dentist will work to relieve your pain and get you back on track to good oral health.