Has that toothache kept you up all night? Are you finding it hard to eat food or function?
Time to book an emergency dental appointment!
Most people experience some form of dental discomfort in their lives; anything from sensitivity to hot and cold foods, to trauma to the teeth can cause an unpleasant sensation. But when do you know when it is an emergency that needs urgent treatment? Many people assume that you will just know; the pain will be so severe, that it inhibits your ability to function and you will need to book an appointment.
However, this is not always the case.
At Apple Dental Studio, our Pinner dentist, team and reception staff always try to see dental emergency patients on the same day they contact us. We always aim to conduct a thorough examination of the area to determine the root cause of the discomfort and resolve the dental situation promptly.
But, if pain is not a reliable indicator of needing a trip to see our Pinner dentist, what is? Read on to find out!
Swelling
One of the most alarming things to find in your mouth during an early morning brush is a swelling.
Even if the swelling is not sore, discoloured or responsive to pressure, it is important you book an emergency appointment with our Pinner dentist. While most oral swellings are benign, it is reassuring to have them looked at to determine their cause.
Lost filling or crown
Depending on the depth of the filling or crown, you may or may not feel discomfort.
Regardless, it is important to call us the moment you notice that a crown or filling has come loose, as delaying treatment can expose the pulp of the tooth to bacteria.
Also, if you keep putting off having a new filling or crown fitted, decay is likely to set it. The unnatural edges caused by the previous tooth preparation is the perfect place for bacteria to accumulate and cause decay. Not nice!
Damaged brace
It is an overlooked issue that many wearing an orthodontic brace may encounter.
If you notice that your brace’s wire has snapped, you need to see us right away; we can fix the brace temporarily but you will need to visit your orthodontist for a more permanent solution.
Are your brace’s brackets loose or have they detached from the tooth completely? This also requires an emergency appointment, to keep the orthodontic device in place and functioning correctly.
Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
If you notice one of your teeth has become cracked, chipped or broken, you require fast restoration work to preserve the tooth and to repair the cracks or chips.
As when losing a filling or crown, even if there is no discomfort, delaying treatment can cause the crack to spread or could expose the nerve or pulp of the tooth to bacteria. This can lead to a very uncomfortable infection which will also require emergency treatment; better to get the help when there is no intense discomfort involved!
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