Experiencing dental trauma can be stressful enough without having to question whether or not you require emergency dental care. This is why it is important to know what circumstances constitute a dental emergency. At Abbotsford Dental, we have created a guide to help you determine the severity of your dental concerns so that you can focus on getting the appropriate help.

What is Considered to be a Dental Emergency?

If a dental issue is negatively impacting your life on a daily basis, it could be classed as a dental emergency. If you have any of the following symptoms, you are encouraged to seek emergency dental treatment:

Severe pain: It can be tempting to postpone treatment for a toothache, but if the pain is severe it should receive attention as soon as possible.
Uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth: Regular bleeding or consistent bleeding should not be ignored, so seek treatment immediately.
Lost or partially dislodged teeth, or lost fillings: A lost tooth can potentially be reimplanted if treatment is sought quickly.
Loose or wobbly teeth: Even if there is little or no pain present, wobbly adult teeth require immediate attention.
Swelling: Swelling of the face or gums and/or the appearance of boils on gums can suggest the presence of an infection.
Abscess: Abscesses are painful lumps of pus that indicate infection.
Facial bone trauma: If you have had an accident that has caused injury to your jaw, it is important to seek out emergency dental services.

What is the Most Common Dental Emergency?

Being aware of the most common dental emergencies will give you a better chance of recognising them if they occur. Some of the most frequent dental emergencies dealt with at clinics include:

Fractured jawline: If you are experiencing pain, facial swelling and bleeding from the mouth, you might be suffering from a fractured jawline. This injury can also make it difficult to breathe, chew and/or move your jaw.
Lost filling: The loss of a filling can lead to infection. It is best to deal with this issue promptly, especially if you are experiencing constant, throbbing pain.
Injuries affecting your gums: It is particularly important to seek care if your gums are bleeding heavily.
Partially dislodged tooth: Dislodged teeth can be reimplanted, keeping your smile intact and minimising issues with the surrounding bone.
Abscess: Symptoms of abscess can include bad breath, temperature sensitivity, tenderness and toothache-like pain.

What is Classed as Emergency Dental Treatment?

You might be wondering what specific services Abbotsford Dental offers as emergency dental treatment. Overall, a trip to our emergency dental clinic will help to alleviate any pain, swelling or bleeding that you are experiencing. At Abbotsford Dental, our dedicated specialists can potentially save a broken or dislodged tooth, and provide emergency dental implants if necessary.

What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?

Depending on the nature of your dental emergency, it can be easy to panic in its immediate aftermath. At Abbotsford Dental, we understand this and want to alleviate any potential stress. The following guidelines explain what to do in various emergency scenarios to guarantee the best chance of a swift and painless recovery:

If teeth have been knocked out: Locate the missing tooth and keep it moist while making sure to avoid touching the root as much as possible. If you are able to, try to gently insert the tooth back into its associated socket. If this task is too difficult, placing the tooth in milk will help keep it healthy.
If teeth have been cracked: Use warm water to rinse the tooth and clean the affected area. This will relieve pain. The next step is to combat swelling and inflammation with a cold compress, which you should hold to the appropriate region of your face or jaw.
If a toothache is present: Rinse your mouth with warm water and find a way to carefully remove anything that might be lodged in your tooth or the surrounding area. Dental floss is the preferred tool for this.
If you have bitten your tongue severely: Although not common, sometimes biting your tongue can cause significant pain and even bleeding. If this is the case, clean the area with water and apply a cold compress.

The most important thing is to seek help from your local emergency dental clinic as soon as you experience any of the symptoms outlined in this article. If in doubt, it is also useful to consult your dentist.

Where Can I Get Urgent Care for a Dental Emergency Near Me?

If you reside in the Abbotsford, Clifton Hill, Richmond, Kew, or Fitzroy areas, you can find reliable emergency dental services nearby at Abbotsford Dental. Book an appointment today!