Most people know the drill rather well. You wake up at 1 am or 2 am with a throbbing sensation underneath one of your teeth and instantly know that you need to call an emergency dental team.
For many people, the idea of attending a regular dental surgery can be intimidating, let alone attending an out-of-hours dental appointment. This can lead to people putting up with sensations that are exceedingly uncomfortable and could be resolved quickly with a same-day appointment.
So, when you are typing emergency dentist near me in Coorparoo into your smartphone or laptop, it is highly likely that you will have some queries about attending these appointments and emergency dental care in general. In this article, five commonly asked questions relating to emergency dental care are answered.
What is considered a dental emergency by dental surgeries?
Many people would assume that a dental emergency goes hand in hand with discomfort, but this is not always the case. You may have swelling to your face, under your jaw or your neck which would certainly warrant a same-day emergency dental appointment but may not be causing any uncomfortable sensations. If you do have an unrelenting toothache, you will need to see a dental team as soon as possible, alongside having a lost or loose filling or crown, bleeding from the mouth which is not slowing, or ulcers that are larger than a 5-pence piece.
What should I do if one of my teeth has fallen out?
If one of your teeth has completely fallen out with the roots intact, you need to place it in milk as soon as possible and contact your emergency dental team. Depending on the underlying cause, they will likely aim to splint it to the nearest secure tooth. Losing a tooth down to the root is incredibly rare, and in most cases, if you have lost part of a tooth, you will still need to see an emergency dental team.
I think I have an abscess, but no emergency dental teams are open – what should I do?
In the unfortunate event that you have a dental abscess and cannot find an emergency dental team that is open, you will need to go to your nearest emergency department at a hospital. It’s worth noting that dental abscesses are not only uncomfortable but also life-threatening if left untreated, as you may develop sepsis. So, be sure to get them checked as soon as you can.
What is the best pain relief for toothache in the short term?
The best pain relief for toothache will depend on the level of discomfort you are in. Some people may find that placing a hot water bottle through a towel up to their face can help to alleviate the discomfort, whereas others may find relief in over-the-counter pain medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. But remember, if you have a severe toothache that is causing you to take painkillers, you will need to see an emergency dental team to have the underlying cause resolved.
Are emergency dental appointments more expensive than regular ones?
This will depend on where you live and the fees of the dental surgery that you attend. For example, in the UK, NHS emergency appointments are the same price as regular check-ups, whereas, in some parts of Australia, there may be an additional fee placed on top of the initial appointment due to emergency factors. So, always be sure to call around if possible, to check prices.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
