October 31

What is Classed As a Dental Emergency?

The short answer to the question “What is a dental emergency?” is:

A dental emergency is when something happens to your teeth or mouth that needs quick treatment, like a bad toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or a painful infection. If you have sudden pain, swelling, or bleeding, it’s important to see a dentist right away to stop things from getting worse.

Read on to better understand what is a dental emergency and the potential risks to your dental health

Dental issues can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, but it’s not always easy to know when a situation requires immediate attention. Understanding what is a dental emergency can help you make informed decisions, seek prompt care when necessary, and avoid further complications. In this article, we’ll explore what constitutes a dental emergency, common symptoms, and the types of issues that should be addressed urgently.

Defining a Dental Emergency

What is a dental emergency: A dental emergency refers to any oral issue that requires immediate professional care to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, prevent infection, or save a tooth. Unlike minor issues that can be addressed during regular dental hours, emergencies usually need urgent treatment to prevent worsening symptoms or irreversible damage. Waiting to address an emergency can lead to more complex and costly treatments down the line.

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Common Types of Dental Emergencies

1. Severe Toothache

Symptoms: A sudden, intense toothache that doesn’t respond to painkillers can indicate an infection, decay, or damage that needs prompt care.

Why It’s an Emergency: Persistent pain can be a sign of a serious underlying issue, such as an abscess or exposed nerve. Delaying treatment can lead to further infection, which may spread to other parts of the body if untreated. Find out more here.

2. Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

Symptoms: If a tooth is visibly broken, chipped, or cracked due to injury or biting down on something hard, it may expose the inner layers of the tooth*.

Why It’s an Emergency: Exposed tooth layers can lead to pain, infection, or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Immediate care can help preserve the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage. See our treatment page here.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

Symptoms: A tooth is completely dislodged from its socket due to trauma or injury.

Why It’s an Emergency: Quick action is critical for saving a knocked-out tooth. If you get to us within an hour, there’s a higher chance of successful reattachment. Handle the tooth carefully by the crown, rinse it gently, and place it back in the socket or in milk until you can make your way to the clinic.

4. Abscess or Dental Infection

Symptoms: An abscess is a pocket of infection around the tooth or gum that may cause intense pain, swelling, a foul taste in the mouth, or fever.

Why It’s an Emergency: An abscess can lead to serious complications if untreated, as the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms like fever, swelling, or a pus-filled bump on the gumline are signs that immediate dental treatment is needed.

5. Bleeding or Swollen Gums

Symptoms: Excessive bleeding or swelling of the gums, particularly if it occurs suddenly or without a clear cause, can indicate an underlying issue.

Why It’s an Emergency: While minor gum bleeding during brushing is often due to gum disease, severe bleeding may indicate trauma, infection, or advanced gum disease that requires immediate attention.

6. Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations (Filling, Crown, or Veneer)

Symptoms: If a filling, crown, or veneer becomes loose, falls out, or breaks, it can expose the tooth to bacteria, sensitivity, and decay.

Why It’s an Emergency: A lost or damaged restoration can leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage or infection. Quick treatment can prevent additional complications and save the restoration when possible.

7. Soft Tissue Injuries (Tongue, Cheek, or Lip)

Symptoms: Cuts or lacerations to the tongue, cheeks, or lips can cause significant bleeding and pain.

Why It’s an Emergency: While minor cuts may heal on their own, deep wounds can lead to infection or uncontrollable bleeding and require immediate care to promote healing and prevent infection.

Signs That Indicate a Dental Emergency

Knowing what is a dental emergency and the signs of one can help you act quickly. Here are some key symptoms that signal you should seek urgent dental care:

Severe, Unrelenting Pain: Pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief is often a sign of a deeper issue.
Excessive Bleeding: Bleeding that doesn’t stop or is associated with injury may require immediate intervention.
Visible Damage to Teeth or Gums: Any visible fractures, chips, or lacerations should be treated quickly to prevent further complications.
Swelling and Inflammation: Significant swelling, especially if accompanied by pain, fever, or a foul taste, may indicate an infection that could spread if untreated.
Fever: A fever with dental pain or swelling could indicate a serious infection that needs immediate treatment. Read more about it here.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Call Us Immediately: If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact us right away. We offer first-appointment treatment, and you’re almost guaranteed to walk away pain-free or at least with a definitive treatment solution. Our emergency dental clinic prides itself on offering specialist treatment, which guarantees you the best possible outcome.
Manage Pain and Swelling: While waiting for professional care (if you need to finish you shift or are travelling from far), you can use over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen) and cold compresses on the cheek to reduce pain and swelling.
Preserve Knocked-Out Teeth or Restorations: If a tooth is knocked out, try to keep it moist by placing it in milk or a saline solution. If a restoration falls out, bring it to your appointment so the dentist can assess its condition and reattach it if possible.
Avoid Aggravating the Issue: Until you can receive care, avoid chewing on the affected side, consuming very hot or cold foods, and using straws, as these actions can worsen symptoms.

When to Visit a Hospital Emergency Room (instead of the clinic)

While we can handle dental emergencies, certain situations warrant a visit to the emergency room:

Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: Swelling from a dental abscess or injury that affects breathing or swallowing is a critical emergency that requires immediate medical care.
High Fever with Dental Pain: If you have a high fever along with severe dental pain, you may need antibiotics or other treatments that can’t wait for a dental appointment.
Significant Trauma to the Face or Jaw: Injuries from accidents or falls that cause major facial swelling, misalignment, or jaw fractures require urgent medical attention.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can prevent decay, gum disease, and infections that lead to emergencies.
Avoid Hard Foods and Chewing on Objects: Be mindful of habits like chewing on ice, pen caps, or hard candies, which can damage teeth and lead to fractures.
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports: If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from injury.
Address Dental Issues Promptly: Don’t wait to treat minor dental issues, as untreated cavities, gum issues, or damaged fillings can quickly worsen.

Conclusion

If you’re in severe pain, don’t waste time wondering what is a dental emergency and what isn’t. Any oral health issue that makes you feel pain or a high level of discomfort should mean that you need to book an emergency appointment. Common dental emergencies include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, infections, and excessive bleeding.

Recognising these symptoms and knowing what is a dental emergency can help you avoid long-term damage and health risks. If you’re ever in doubt about a dental issue, it’s best to contact us as soon as possible. Taking swift action in a dental emergency can save your teeth and ensure you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.