In 2020, it has been hard to get a dental appointment due to the pandemic.
As a result, many people have become unsure about when and if they need to call their dental team concerning dental pain. Understandably so; with social distancing and ever-changing government guidelines, it can be hard to know when an emergency dental appointment is needed.
Luckily, the guide on what constitutes a dental emergency has not changed much during the ongoing pandemic, so if you notice any of the following issues with your teeth, contact your emergency dentist in Spa Dental Sydney CBD as soon as possible.
Discomfort
OK, this is a very broad term which means different things for different people.
Concerning dental pain, if you have unrelenting discomfort, that is distracting you from performing your daily functions and is also preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, this is a dental emergency that needs the attention of your dentist near Spa Dental Sydney CBD.
This may resemble a stabbing, throbbing or burning pain that may worsen when you are eating or drinking.
Swelling
Swellings are common with dental issues and so, if you spot any swellings on or underneath your jaw, on one side of your face or anywhere in your mouth, contact your dentist from Spa Dental Sydney CBD for an urgent appointment.
Swellings do not have to be uncomfortable to render emergency treatment and may be indicative of anything from a dental abscess to an impacted tooth. If left untreated, they can also restrict your airway, which is life-threatening.
Lost filling or crown
A lost filling or a lost crown can feel uncomfortable and, like most dental issues associated with discomfort, that will surely prompt a trip to your dental surgery!
If you notice that a filling has been lost or that a crown is loose, it isn’t always uncomfortable but it should still warrant a same day trip to your dental team. Lost fillings and crowns leave a sharp edge on the tooth, which can attract plaque and bacteria, while also potentially causing damage to the inside of your mouth.
Bleeding
More common if you have recently had an extraction or have had a trauma, an unrelenting bleed from your mouth should not be ignored.
A way to test if the bleeding is slowing is to apply gauze to the area and examine the amount of blood after 20 seconds. If it slows or looks brown, this is a good sign.
If it is worsening and does not stop for 20 minutes with pressure and gauze, you need an emergency appointment with your dental team.
Loose tooth
This can be associated with trauma to the face or may be linked to untreated gum disease.
Regardless of the cause, as soon as you notice that one of your teeth is wobbling, contact your dental team for a same-day appointment. Depending on the issue that has caused the tooth to become loose, they may be able to save and restore it securely.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
