A dental emergency can involve severe toothache, swelling, infection, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or damage to a tooth or restoration. Prompt assessment can relieve discomfort, prevent complications and, in some situations, improve the chance of saving a natural tooth.
Severe persistent pain, facial swelling, a fractured tooth or a knocked-out adult tooth should be assessed urgently. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, significant facial swelling or fever associated with dental infection requires immediate medical attention.
During an emergency dental visit, the priority is to identify the cause and stabilise the problem. Treatment may include a temporary restoration, management of infection, stabilisation of a damaged tooth, root canal treatment or extraction when a tooth cannot be predictably saved.
A loose crown, veneer or bridge should also be assessed promptly to prevent further damage. Avoid attempting to reattach restorations with household glue.
Effective emergency dentistry is not simply about relieving pain. It combines timely diagnosis with a considered plan to protect oral health, restore function and preserve the natural appearance of your smile.
