Most people are familiar with the scenario. They are lying awake at 2 AM with a throbbing sensation under one of their teeth and, in an instant, they will have already decided to make a dental appointment first thing in the morning or to contact an emergency dental team then and there.
But there are many dental emergencies which are overlooked by patients, simply because they cause minimal discomfort or have no sensation at all. It is worth noting that these situations are just as serious as a throbbing discomfort and should be treated as such.
At the Dentist on Glasgow, our emergency dentist for Whanganui New Zealand will always be happy to meet with patients on short notice who are experiencing an emergency dental situation. We aim to respond to such issues within 24 hours and set aside appointments every day so we can fit emergency cases in. So, if you are concerned that you have an emergency dental issue, call our team.
With that in mind, in this article our dentist for Whanganui New Zealand discusses some of the most common emergencies that they see in their practice, so you can identify whether or not you need a same-day appointment.
Abscesses
Abscesses are undoubtedly a dental emergency and are the main reason why people contact our dentist for Whanganui New Zealand for a same-day appointment. They may start as a sensation of throbbing, burning or pulsating underneath the tooth, and the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold beverages. This will then usually be followed by swelling and the gum underneath the tooth changing from pink to blue or purple. You may also feel unwell, have a fever and feel sick or nauseated. If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to contact our emergency team as soon as possible as an untreated dental abscess can lead to sepsis.
Swelling
Swelling to the face, neck or under the chin is also a dental emergency and can be due to an abscess or an impacted tooth. Swelling will need to be assessed by our emergency team, even if it is not causing discomfort or has come on gradually.
Lost filling or crown
Anybody who has a filling, or a crown can lose these restoratives at any time. In some instances, this may cause discomfort, but if you've had a root canal underneath the tooth or the nerve is dead, then it may not cause any sensation. Decay can still set in if this is left untreated, so be sure to make a same-day appointment with our team if you lose a restorative.
Crack or chip
Cracks and chips may not seem in the same league as a dental abscess, but if left unchecked and unfilled, they can attract bacteria which can burrow into the tooth and cause decay or an abscess. So, if you have recently sustained a crack or chip to any of your teeth, be sure to seek a same-day appointment with our team.
Bleeding
Bleeding from the mouth is common following trauma or an extraction. But if after 20 minutes of applying clean gauze to the area the bleed is not slowing, then you need to see our team to have the underlying wound glued or stitched together to prevent further loss of blood.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
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