Emergency Appointments
Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, often causing significant pain and distress. Whether due to pre-existing dental issues or an accident, these emergencies require prompt attention from a skilled dentist. At Hornsby Dental, we understand how unsettling it can be to experience sudden dental pain or injury, which is why we offer emergency dental appointments to quickly address your needs and get you back to feeling your best.
Dental emergencies are more common than we think, and they can arise at any time. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of dental emergencies, common causes of dental pain and injury, and what to do in an emergency situation until you can get professional care. We’ll also explain how our team at Hornsby Dental can assist you with immediate care, giving you the best possible treatment to relieve your pain and restore your smile.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention from a dental professional to relieve pain, prevent further damage, or address an injury. These emergencies often stem from injuries or infections, but can also occur due to untreated dental conditions such as decay or gum disease. Dental emergencies are typically characterised by severe pain, discomfort, or damage to the teeth and surrounding structures.
While dental emergencies can be frightening and stressful, knowing the possible causes of pain and how to manage the situation until you receive professional treatment can help improve the prognosis and reduce your anxiety. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the chances of preserving your teeth and preventing further complications.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from injury and trauma to untreated dental conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Toothache or Gum Pain
Toothaches or gum pain can arise suddenly, often interfering with daily activities such as eating, talking, and sleeping. Whether the pain is sharp, shooting, or dull, it’s essential not to ignore it. Pain in the teeth or gums can indicate an infection, such as a cavity that has reached the tooth’s nerve or gum disease that is affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.
Ignoring tooth pain can lead to serious complications, including abscesses, bone loss, and in extreme cases, systemic infections that can affect overall health. Some common causes of tooth pain include:
Tooth decay:
If plaque and bacteria attack the hard tissues of the tooth, it can lead to decay. As the decay progresses, it can affect the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, causing pain.
Gum disease:
Gum disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause inflammation and infection in the gums, leading to pain, swelling, and possible tooth mobility.
Dental trauma:
Accidents or injuries that affect the teeth can cause immediate pain. Injuries such as cracked, chipped, or dislodged teeth require urgent care to prevent further damage.
2. Knocked-Out or Loose Teeth
In the event of an injury or accident that causes a tooth to be knocked out (avulsion) or become loose, it is considered a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. The quicker a knocked-out tooth is treated, the higher the chances of saving it.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, follow these first-aid steps to maximise the chances of success:
- Gently rinse the tooth with cold water (no more than 10 seconds), but avoid touching the root.
- Reinsert the tooth back into its socket if possible and bite down gently on a cloth to hold it in place.
- If you cannot reinsert the tooth, store it in milk or your own saliva and bring it with you to your appointment.
- Seek immediate dental care – time is of the essence in these cases, as the longer you wait, the lower the chances of successful reimplantation.
3. Chipped or Broken Teeth
A chipped or broken tooth can result from an accident, fall, or biting something hard. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment options may vary. Minor chips may be repaired with dental bonding or a filling, while more severe fractures may require crowns or root canal therapy.
If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, try to locate any broken pieces and bring them to the dentist. In some cases, the lost fragment can be bonded back onto the tooth. The sooner you get professional care, the better the chances of saving the tooth and restoring its appearance and function.
4. Soft Tissue Trauma
Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, lips, or inside of the cheeks, can cause significant bleeding and discomfort. If you experience a laceration in the mouth, apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.
In the case of a small cut, you may be advised to continue applying pressure until the bleeding subsides. However, for larger or deeper lacerations, stitches may be required to close the wound and promote proper healing.
5. Swelling and Infection
Swelling around the affected tooth or gums can be a sign of infection, often due to untreated tooth decay or gum disease. If you notice swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, it may indicate that the infection has spread and requires immediate attention.
In more severe cases, untreated infections can lead to a diffuse inflammatory response, characterised by redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. If the infection spreads to surrounding tissues or impacts the airway, hospital admission may be required.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Contact Hornsby Dental immediately
Our team offers emergency dental appointments and will do everything possible to see you as soon as possible.
Manage pain at home
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage mild to moderate pain. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the face can also help reduce swelling.
Take precautions with knocked-out teeth
If you lose a tooth, store it properly and seek immediate dental care to maximise the chances of saving the tooth.
Keep broken tooth fragments
If you chip or break a tooth, keep any fragments and bring them to your dental appointment for possible reattachment.
Stop bleeding for soft tissue trauma
Apply pressure to any cuts in the mouth with clean gauze until the bleeding stops.
Why Choose Hornsby Dental for Emergency Appointments?
At Hornsby Dental, we understand the urgency of dental emergencies and strive to provide fast, effective care when you need it most. Our experienced dentists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of various dental emergencies, from toothaches and infections to trauma and soft tissue injuries.
Our compassionate team is dedicated to making sure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your emergency visit. We’ll not only address the immediate issue but will also provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan to help prevent future problems and restore your oral health.
Whether you have a severe toothache, need urgent care after an injury, or require treatment for an infection, Hornsby Dental is here to provide the relief you need. We aim to get you back on track with a healthy, pain-free smile as quickly as possible.
Dental emergencies can be unpredictable and stressful, but knowing what to do in these situations can make all the difference. At Hornsby Dental, we offer emergency dental appointments to provide immediate care for your pain and injury. If you are experiencing any dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us for fast and reliable treatment. Our skilled team is ready to help restore your oral health and ensure that you get the care you deserve.
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Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Mark Neih
BDS (Otago, NZ)
Dr. Philip Song
BDS (Hons) (USyd) Bsc
Dr. Richard Huang
DMD (USyd)