FAQs about dental emergencies answered by our dentist
It is not something that any person wants to have to happen to them. Waking up in the middle of the night with a sharp discomfort under one of your teeth is usually an ominous sign of things to come and should this happen, you will need to seek out an emergency dental team as soon as possible before the issue gets worse.
However, many people are overly concerned about seeking the help of an emergency dental team, simply because they assume it will be extremely uncomfortable. The role of emergency dental teams is to reduce discomfort so this is a shared priority that you and the dental team will have!
At Spa Dental Sydney, we are exceedingly proud of our emergency dentist Sydney. We aim to see patients within 24 hours of them contacting the surgery and will always endeavour to be gentle with those who attend emergency appointments. We set aside so many appointments per day to accommodate emergency cases, so you will be in good hands with our team.
However, to further assuage your fears, in this article our emergency dentist Sydney answers common questions that we receive about emergency dental care, so read on to learn more about this service.
What are the signs of a dental emergency?
One of the key signs of a dental emergency according to our emergency dentist Sydney is a lingering discomfort with one of your teeth, which may get worse with pressure or hot or cold beverages. However, swelling, a loose restorative like a crown or filling, excessive bleeding or problems with breathing should also not be ignored and considered a dental emergency. If you have cracked or chipped one of your teeth, or have a loose tooth or recurring ulcers in your mouth, these will also require a same-day appointment.
What can I expect at an emergency appointment?
An emergency appointment is not that different from a regular check-up, except that our team will be working quickly to resolve any potential discomfort that you have and will be focusing on diagnosing the underlying issue. If you have a dental abscess, for example, we will diagnose it and then will set about treating it, creating a treatment plan to remove it and prevent it from recurring in the future. If you have a loose filling or crown, we will aim to have it restored. But if you have a worrying-looking ulcer, we may refer you to a second appointment.
Will I need a follow-up?
For most cases, no, you will not need a follow-up, but your general dental team will be informed that you have had a dental emergency. If you have a dental abscess you will need a follow-up appointment to have the offending tooth either restored with a root canal or removed, depending on the condition of the tooth.
Can the emergency dental team prescribe medication?
Yes, an emergency dental team can prescribe medication, especially in cases relating to dental abscesses. In this instance, we will usually prescribe antibiotic treatment which you will need to take before a root canal or extraction is performed to get the infection under control and to prevent sepsis.
How can I prevent another dental emergency?
In most cases, dental emergencies can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and attending biannual check-ups with our dental team. In some cases, they simply happen, such as a lost filling or excessive bleeding and so, all you need to do is seek an emergency appointment.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.