What is Considered a Dental Emergency? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever suffered with a toothache, or any similar dental condition before, you’ll know all too well just how painful these conditions can be, and how unbearable they can make everyday life.

Suffering with dental pain can affect your quality of life, it’s extremely painful, and if it is left untreated by a dental professional, it will almost certainly get worse, which is the last thing that you will want

What may begin as a dull ache in the tooth can go on to become excruciatingly painful, and it can lead to numerous other health issues such as headaches, jaw ache, and chronic pain in general.

If you are experiencing dental issues, you may be considering contacting a dentist, but what is considered a dental emergency and what can be done? Here’s a look at the common types of dental emergencies and what you can do.

Different types of dental emergencies

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in the mouth or tooth/teeth, you might very well be considering contacting a dentist, but may not quite be sure about what classes as a dental emergency to begin with.

Dental emergencies are not considered as severe as medical emergencies, which means that you can sometimes wait a little longer before seeking professional help.

A few examples of the different types of dental emergencies include:

Severe pain

First and foremost, if you’re experiencing severe pain caused by toothache, an abscess, an infection, or anything else orally-related, this would be considered a dental emergency and you would be permitted to contact a dentist.

Yes, we understand different people have different pain thresholds, but at the end of the day, if you are experiencing extreme pain which is caused by a tooth or something similar, you should contact your dentist right away.

Bleeding from the mouth

If you’re experiencing bleeding from the mouth, perhaps from the gums or from the teeth, this is of course a sign that something is wrong, and again you should contact a dental professional.

A lost tooth

When talking about what’s considered a dental emergency, a lost or knocked out tooth most certainly fits the bill. If you've lost a tooth, whether it’s been knocked out through injury, or simply has been lost via decay, this is a prime example of when it is important to speak to your dentist and arrange for emergency dental care.

You have wobbly or loose teeth

As far as what to do in a dental emergency, if you find that you have a tooth, or teeth, which are loose or wobbly, this is definitely considered an emergency so you will need to act fast.

If your tooth/teeth are wobbly or loose, this is a sign that something is wrong and you will need to act fast. Booking an emergency dental appointment could potentially help to prevent you from losing a tooth/teeth.

You have a chipped or cracked tooth

A chipped or cracked tooth is an emergency only if it is extremely painful or leaves sharp fragments that might cause harm inside your mouth.

Infection

If you have an infection in your mouth, perhaps in the tooth or gums or in the form of an abscess, an emergency dental appointment is crucial.

Infections can spread and develop and go on to become life-threatening. A dentist could help diagnose an infection, treat it, prescribe medication, and help clear it up before the infection spreads and develops.

Cracked or chipped tooth

If you have a cracked or chipped tooth which is causing pain and discomfort, this is classed as a dental emergency.

Just be aware that in terms of what’s considered a dental emergency, a cracked or chipped tooth only qualifies if it is causing severe pain and discomfort at the same time. 

What to do in a dental emergency?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is try to remain calm. If you panic, you’ll likely make your symptoms worse. 

After you’ve composed yourself, you should contact your local dental clinic, explain your issues, explain you believe it to be an emergency, and get booked in for emergency treatment as soon as possible. 

What should you do if you have oral pain or injury but can’t reach a dentist? 

If you are suffering with oral pain or injury, or any of the issues listed above, but can’t call your dentist after hours, you should call other local dentists who offer emergency dental services, or contact your local GP surgery, or even the hospital and arrange for an out of hours appointment. 

Emergency Dental Services

Please contact us right away on 9349 3006 if you have a dental emergency or require after-hours dental care in Perth. As a result, you will be able to:

• Reduce the amount of damage to the tissues involved
• Prevent serious effects from developing.
• Increase the likelihood of a minimally intrusive treatment.

Not sure if your dental issues are urgent? Call Tuart Hill Dental in Perth on 9349 3006 or contact us online for guidance on whether or not you should seek emergency dental care.