When to Visit a Local Emergency Dental Clinic: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Unknown to many, dental health plays a very important role in our overall well-being. But while it is not a part of what we prioritise in our daily lives, it becomes critical once something goes wrong. And even if you get routine dental check-ups, there are just certain dental issues that require immediate attention that might even damage your gums and teeth permanently.

With this, how would you know when it’s time to visit a local emergency dental clinic and would require the immediate attention of an Adawn Dental Studio emergency dentist? Let’s break it down and understand the signs that we shouldn’t ignore.

What is an emergency dental clinic?

An emergency dental clinic is for situations that need urgent dental care. The usual situations are those experiencing pain, injury, or infections that cannot wait for a regular appointment. At the same time, these dental clinics operate outside the standard office hours, like late at night, on weekends, and even on holidays, just to accommodate unexpected dental crises.

Here are some signs you might need to know if you require emergency dental care:

Persistent or severe tooth pain. Although we all experience minor toothaches from time to time, consistent pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is not right, and this might be the time that an emergency dental clinic may offer immediate relief. Keep your body in check and observe if you are feeling any intense discomfort and consistent pain in your tooth before it gets intolerable.

A broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth. The active lifestyle in Australia keeps you immune to common accidents like a knocked-out tooth or if it is chipped. However, remember that this is a serious matter, and acting quickly is crucial to keeping your oral health and overall health in sound condition.

Uncontrolled bleeding. While bleeding a bit from brushing too hard or flossing is not a part of the emergency measures in dental health, continuous bleeding, especially after an accident or trauma, needs immediate attention that can be alarming and fatal if not taken care of.

Swelling or infection. Infections in the mouth can become life-threatening if left untreated, as our mouths are open to unnecessary complications. Keep in mind that facial swelling is something that requires immediate attention and is considered a symptom of an infection in your mouth that might lead to your other organs.

Lost or damaged dental restorations. Dental cosmetic fixes that come loose or fall out should require your immediate attention. Although temporary restoration can be an option rather than leaving the tooth exposed, be mindful if you are feeling an intolerable discomfort and call an emergency dentist if that happens.

Pain or injury from braces. Having braces is no exception too, especially if there is already a severe discomfort from adjusting them or if the wires of your braces are already injuring your cheeks or gums. If you are feeling this even before you leave the dental clinic, it is best that you don’t ignore it and seek immediate professional assistance right away.

Signs of oral cancer. While not a typical situation for a dental emergency, observing and noticing unusual sores or even a persistent pain in your throat and mouth should require immediate professional advice so they can refer you to further testing and assessment if needed.

Why Timing Matters

Timing is always a make-or-break situation, because the sooner you address a dental emergency, the better your chances of preventing long-term damage in the long run. This does not only save you from financial burnout but also from impending infections that come with leaving any dental situations untreated.

Even if you feel like you won’t be needing any emergency dental care in the future, it’s best to know the location of emergency clinics within your area and keep contact information of them. At home, add a dental first aid kit to your medical aid box so when it’s time that you need to act quickly, you’ll be able to treat yourself or your family member temporarily.

Trust your instincts and be vigilant.

While we advocate for regular check-ups and the awareness of keeping your oral hygiene healthy as also your way to optimum overall health, it’s always good to think of the worst-case scenarios before they happen. Getting immediate help is convenient; however, a sound mind and swift action towards these situations will save you a lot of inconveniences and complications. So don’t wait for these things to happen to you or to anyone close to you, and have a local emergency dental clinic ready to be there when things happen.