When it comes to dental emergencies, it is fair to say that the majority of people never want to be on the receiving end of one!

If you have ever had a dental abscess, you will almost certainly have the signs and symptoms embossed into your memory, as abscesses are extremely uncomfortable. But there are many instances in which a dental emergency may not present with any level of discomfort. And so, some people may be going about their daily life whilst suffering from a dental emergency!

At Deakin Dental, our dentist Canberra is always happy to see patients for a same-day appointment, especially if they present with a dental emergency. We will take the time to triage you over the phone and will always seek to see you within 24 hours of you contacting our surgery.

But how do you know if you are experiencing a dental emergency? Here, our dentist Canberra provides insight into some of the most common presentations of an oral emergency that you should not ignore.

Swelling

Swelling in the face, neck or anywhere in the mouth is a symptom of a dental emergency. According to our dentist Canberra, swelling could indicate a dental abscess, an impacted tooth or even a very severe food allergy, all of which will need urgent medical attention. If you notice a gradual swelling or one that has simply popped up like a balloon, even if the swelling is not hurting, you still need to see our team for a same-day appointment.

Persistent discomfort

Going back to the example of a dental abscess from earlier, one of the key symptoms of this is persistent discomfort. If you notice that you have a toothache which is not relenting, and is distracting you or causing pain when you eat or drink, this will need to be seen by our team. It is also worth noting that if you experience sudden sensitivity in one of your teeth you will also need a same-day appointment.

Lost or loose restoratives

Fillings and crowns often come loose, especially if they are the old fashioned amalgam options. If you notice that one of your fillings has come loose, or has been lost completely, then you need to see our team for a same-day appointment to have it refitted. This will prevent bacteria from gaining access to the previously shielded part of the tooth which, if left unchecked, could lead to an abscess.

Bleeding

Dental bleeds can be common, especially if you play contact sports or have had an extraction recently. But, if after 20 minutes of applying a clean gauze to the area the bleed does not subside or slow, you will need to see our team to have the underlying issue assessed and treated. This will prevent further blood loss.

Superficial damage

Following on from the example of contact sports, it is common for people who engage in such activities to have superficial damage to their teeth, such as cracks or chips. Much in the same way that a filling or crown which has been lost can expose previously protected areas of the teeth to the mouth, so can a chip or crack. So, if you notice that there is damage to one of your teeth, even if it is not causing discomfort, our team will need to treat it.

DISCLAIMER

All treatments carry risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.