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Do I Need an Emergency Dentist Appointment?

05 Oct 2020  |  No Comments

Man suffering from tooth pain

Needing emergency dental care can be a traumatic experience; whether you have severe pain in the mouth or a tooth has been knocked out, you no doubt want to address the issue as soon as possible, as delaying your appointment can make the situation worse.

At Marsfield Dental Clinic, we can make priority appointments for those that need it, to ensure we diagnose and treat the problem as soon as possible. We’ll make sure to minimise the pain and make you comfortable throughout and after the treatment. But how do you know if you need an emergency dentist appointment or just a regular booking?

When to book an emergency appointment with your dentist

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s in your best interest to book a dentist appointment straight away:

  • You have a loose (adult) tooth – whether it was impacted by a sports injury or something else, a loose adult tooth could be painful, and your dentist will need to check for jaw or nerve damage, and infection.
  • You have severe toothache.
  • Your gums are bleeding or sore – bleeding after brushing or flossing could be an early sign of gum disease, and excessive bleeding could mean you already have gum disease that needs to be treated.
  • You’ve got an abscess – an abscess is a painful infection at the root of the tooth and can be painful. Your dentist will need to drain the infection and treat it quickly.
  • Your face is swollen or your tooth is cracked.

What to expect during an emergency dentist appointment

If you think you need an emergency appointment, we ask that you first call the clinic to discuss your symptoms. We will ask you some questions about your condition, the level of pain and if there was an injury that caused the problem. If we determine you need an emergency appointment, we’ll schedule a time based on the severity of your case.

During the appointment, the dentist will carry out a thorough examination including an X-ray to diagnose the root of the problem and assess what needs to be done. They’ll also strive to reduce or eliminate the pain. The most pressing issues will be treated at the emergency appointment, and an additional appointment may be made for anything else.

What to do in the meantime

First of all – try not to panic. While you wait for your appointment, we recommend taking the following steps:

  • If your tooth is knocked out, don’t try to replace it. Rinse it with warm water and place it in a glass of milk while you wait for your appointment.
  • If your tooth is chipped or fractured, use a cold compress to reduce the pain and swelling. Ask your dentist or a pharmacist about appropriate pain killing medication.
  • If you have an abscess, rinse your mouth with mild salt water – this should help to reduce the pain and bring the pus to the surface.

Book an emergency dentist appointment in Sydney

Please don’t hesitate to call our clinic on (02) 9887 1961 if you have any of the above symptoms – or you just need peace-of-mind about your oral health.

If you're looking for a dentist in Sydney who takes genuine care in their work and the well-being of his or her patients, call today and let Dr Choo, Dr Ip and their friendly staff look after you, your family and those pearly whites!

"The information in this website may be simplified in nature and does not replace professional advice. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. Quotations can only be given after proper clinical assessment and so pricing details cannot be given over the phone."

COVID 19 Update - Oct 2021

 All our members of staff - Dentists and supporting assistants - are fully vaccinated. We are a COVID-safe practice and we are open for all general dental treatment needs and services.