Dental emergencies seldom happen at convenient times—in fact, the opposite is true. They usually happen at the worst possible time. If you experience a dental emergency this holiday season, here is some practical advice on how to handle it.
Keep in mind that you can always reach out to our Paddington, NSW dental practice if you have any dental- or emergency-related enquiries. We can help you determine whether or not your situation is as urgent as you might think it is.
Common Dental Emergencies
One of the most common dental emergencies we see is sudden toothache. Perhaps you woke up in the morning with a dull ache in your mouth that has quickly gotten to the point of being unbearable. Other common emergencies include:
- A loosened or knocked-out tooth because of an accident or trauma
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condition that's causing severe jaw and facial pain
- A chipped tooth from trauma or biting into something hard
- A restoration that has fallen out, perhaps a dental crown or filling
What to Do—and What Not to Do
The first suggestion is not to panic. We are here when an emergency hits, and we can talk you through the situation and help you decide on the best way to proceed. Sometimes your situation isn’t as urgent as you might think, and we can wait until our next available appointment to provide dental care.
If we need to see you right away, we’ll do everything we can to ensure that you are not in pain and are comfortable. If you’ve lost a dental restoration or chipped a tooth, try to recover the piece if possible. If you’ve knocked out a tooth, we’ll want to see you immediately to improve the chances of us being able to save your tooth.
Follow Up With Needed Treatment After the Season
Often when we see you with a dental emergency, such as a painful toothache, we will immediately provide palliative care to ensure your comfort. If a follow-up procedure is needed, such as root canal treatment, we can schedule you as soon as possible after the busy season ends.
Avoiding Dental Emergencies in the Future
Believe it or not, many dental emergencies are avoidable. The best way to prevent emergencies is to visit our Paddington, NSW dental clinic regularly so our dentists can stay ahead of any potential problems—before they become urgent situations.
We’re here when you need us—now and throughout the holiday season. Just call Paddington Dentistry to arrange a booking.
