Chipped a tooth? Dental issues that require an emergency appointment

Do you suspect your leg is broken? If you do, you know to go to the nearest hospital for an emergency X-ray. Is your dog coughing a lot and being sick? Call the emergency vet!

Have you woken up and noticed one of your fillings has fallen out? No big deal, I will leave it until my next check-up.

Oh dear.

Unfortunately, many people are aware of what constitutes a trip to the emergency room for themselves and even their pets, but when it comes to assessing the need for a same day check-up with a dentist, many people fall short of the mark. This, unfortunately, rarely ends well and can cause further damage or discomfort that could have been avoided.

If you wake up one morning and you notice a lost filling, you need to call an emergency dentist for a same day appointment. Many dental surgeries, like Spa Dental Sydney CBD, are able to offer same day appointments for emergency patients, to resolve the issue and prevent further damage.

So what else constitutes booking an emergency dental appointment?

Unrelenting discomfort

You know it is time to book when that pain in your mouth is too much to bear.

If you are experiencing a throbbing, burning or sharp pain under one of your teeth, you need to book an emergency appointment. Given the urgency of this particular dental presentation, many dental surgeries, will be able to offer you a same day appointment, or will refer you to another dental surgery who may be able to help you.

Chipped, cracked or broken tooth

A chipped tooth is a common occurrence in children or those who play contact sports like rugby, but just because they are common, does not mean they aren’t an emergency.

There are risks associated with simple accidents like a broken tooth, so, it is essential to visit a Dentist in San Tan Valley AZ (if that’s where you reside) to get a quick fix. The issue at hand may be unassuming and seem like there is no real danger associated with it, but it could make way for other dental health problems.

If you notice your tooth is cracked, chipped, or partly broken, treat it as a priority as a delay in getting a cracked tooth fixed can lead to decay or allow bacteria to attack the pulp of the tooth, which can cause a very unpleasant infection.

If the tooth is severely damaged, it may need to be removed and replaced with a dental implant. If you are of the opinion that getting dental implants is a complicated process, then you may be right as it is a more invasive procedure than simply filling a cracked tooth. But it can certainly help restore the smile and improve oral health.

Sudden swelling

Found a strange lump in your mouth? Don’t panic!

Most lumps that occur in the mouth are benign but, just to be on the safe side, it is worth visiting your dentist for an emergency examination of the area.

If the lump appeared suddenly and is sore to touch, then you likely have either an abscess or an ulcer. If your dentist is concerned about something more sinister, like oral cancer, then they can refer you for treatment with a specialist.

Broken or damaged brace

As strange as it sounds, if you are wearing a fitted orthodontic brace and you notice that a bracket is loose, or that the wire is broken, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible for a temporary repair.

This is to prevent your teeth, which are already being moved around by the brace, from becoming looser and potentially falling out.

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.