FAQs about dental emergencies answered by our dentist
It can be a difficult thing to identify, especially if it isn’t causing you any noticeable discomfort or if it is presenting with rather unremarkable features. Of course, we are talking about a dental emergency.
Most people associate dental emergencies with unrelenting dental pain, swollen faces or even dental bleeding. But many of the things that are a dental emergency will not cause these issues and may lead a person to overlook the significance of the problem. Because honestly, discomfort is a powerful motivator to get you to see our dental team!
When you come to Walkerston Dental, our dentist Walkerston is always happy to see patients who may be suffering from a dental emergency. We will aim to relieve any discomfort that you are in as soon as possible so that you can get back to your day as planned.
However, it is common for people who may be experiencing dental emergencies to have some questions. In this article, our dentist Walkerston answers the most common ones that we have been asked by dental patients over the years.
What is a dental emergency?
There are many types of dental emergencies, according to our dentist Walkerston, with the most obvious and well-known being a dental abscess. Dental abscesses can and usually do present with extreme discomfort, dental swelling, and even an unwell feeling. If you have any of these sensations or symptoms, you need to call our team as soon as possible. Other dental emergencies include lost or loose restoratives, oral swelling, ulcers, dental bleeds or chipped or cracked teeth.
Are there degrees of severity with dental emergencies?
Technically yes. Going back to the example of a dental abscess, this can be life-threatening if left untreated, as the abscess may burst and lead to sepsis. But even if you don’t have an abscessed tooth, it is still important to view the aforementioned examples as equally in need of same-day care from our team.
How soon will I be seen?
Our team at Walkerston Dental will always aim to see emergency dental patients within 24 hours of contact. If we cannot give you an appointment within this time, we may refer you to another emergency dental service, or you may be advised to go to your nearest hospital for treatment.
Will I need a follow-up appointment?
When you have a dental abscess, it is extremely likely that you will need a follow-up appointment with our dental team or your regular team. This is because dental abscesses require a multi-phase treatment to help you recover from them, and you may have been placed on antibiotics by our team but will later need either an extraction or root canal, which can be done during a regular dental appointment.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
In some cases, like a cracked or chipped tooth, it may be slightly harder to prevent them from occurring, especially if you play contact sports. But we will usually advise you to wear a mouthguard to better protect your teeth. With lost fillings or dental abscesses, we would advise you to attend regular appointments with our dental team every six months so that we can reduce the risk of these occurring with early treatment.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
