Not sure if you need an emergency dental appointment? 5 symptoms that should not be ignored
2020 has been a challenging year for everybody, with many people paying more acute attention to their health than ever before.
And while nobody wants to find themself on the receiving end of a medical emergency, a dental emergency is also far from desirable. If you are like the average person, you may believe that a dental emergency is characterised solely by discomfort.
It is true that this is a large element, but it is far from an all-round fact; many issues that our team considers to be an emergency are actually painless or dismissable, meaning that they can often go undetected for a while before that next biannual check-up!
At Spa Dental in Sydney, we believe in educating our patients so they can look after their teeth and when it comes to spotting an emergency, there are many areas to keep an eye out for. Remember, the sooner you are able to identify an emergency, the less invasive or serious the treatment will likely be, allowing you to go about your day as normal without a numb jaw or swollen face.
But what are some of the signs that you need an emergency visit to our team at Spa Dental in Sydney? Read on to find out!
Discomfort
Back to the obvious signs of a dental emergency, discomfort is a symptom you should never ignore.
If it appears suddenly, it can indicate a dental infection which will need immediate treatment from our team at Spa Dental in Sydney. If it comes on more gradually, it may point towards an issue with a filling, a crown or even a crack. Either way, as soon as you notice a consistent discomfort, contact our team.
Swelling
Swelling is a common dental symptom that can actually be painless but warrants immediate treatment.
Indicating anything from an impacted tooth to an infection or even an allergic reaction, this can become life-threatening if the swelling begins to block your airways. Don’t let it get to this extreme level and book an appointment to see us as soon as possible.
Bleeding
If you have had an extraction or a recent trauma to the head, oral bleeding is normal.
If the bleed fails to slow after 20 minutes of applying gauze to the area, come back and see our team promptly to prevent further blood loss.
Cracks and chips
As mentioned earlier, these can be signified by a creeping ache or even a visual difference in the tooth.
Chips and cracks require repairing with a composite material to prevent bacteria from getting underneath the enamel and introducing decay.
Loose fillings or crowns
More noticeable than a chip, a lost filling or crown needs repairing as soon as possible.
Failure to fix such issues can lead to the sudden occurrence of abscesses and may introduce bacteria to an already fragile part of the tooth, meaning more restoration work.
As soon as you notice a loose filling, call our team in Sydney for 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.