Emergency Care

Some dental treatments just can’t wait. In the event of a dental emergency, call South Cliff Dental Group right away.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

There are many situations that can be classified as a dental emergency. Dental emergencies require immediate attention from a dental practice or hospital emergency room. The big difference between emergency events and standard oral health issues is that the latter can wait to be seen by a dentist during regular practice hours.

Symptoms of severe toothache, infection, bleeding from the mouth or loose or lost teeth may all signal a dental emergency. If you require a dentist or healthcare professional to alleviate pain, save a tooth or stop bleeding, you are experiencing a dental emergency.

Common Dental Emergencies

Unlike other dental issues that are very clearly defined, dental emergencies take many forms. They may be the result of an accident, decay, bad luck or something else. Severity of dental emergencies fall on a spectrum as well, from minor to major. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we encounter at South Cliff Dental Group:

A Knocked out Tooth

If a permanent (adult) tooth comes out, there’s hope for it to take root again. If the tooth is clean, place it back in the socket, holding it in place by keeping your mouth closed. Otherwise, put the tooth in a container of cold milk until you get to the practice.

Toothache

A Broken, Chipped or Cracked Tooth

If a tooth becomes damaged, we can often save it. Small breaks may only require a white filling, but serious damage may need a root canal or crown.

Badly Bitten Lip or Tongue

Using a clean cloth, press down on areas that are bleeding and use an ice pack to minimise swelling. If the bleeding does not slow to a stop, go to the hospital, as you may require stitches.

Swollen or Bleeding Gums

Persistent gum issues, especially gums that won’t stop bleeding, may indicate an underlying dental or health issue.

A Missing Filling or Broken Crown

If an old filling comes out or a crown breaks or falls off, it leaves your tooth exposed and vulnerable. An emergency dental visit in a timely manner may avoid additional dental procedures beyond simply replacing the restoration.

An Object Stuck Between Teeth

If you cannot remove food or a small object with brushing or careful flossing, please contact our practice. Leaving something lodged in teeth may cause irritation, gum disease, decay or infection.

Dangers of Delaying Treatment

If you are unsure if you are experiencing a dental emergency or you think your issue can wait to see a dentist, call our practice. We would prefer to speak with you and advise you on next steps as soon as possible. If we determine you are not in the midst of a dental emergency, our team can schedule an appointment for you with one of our friendly dentists.

On the other hand, if you are having a dental emergency, addressing the issue quickly is in your best interests. For example:

There is a very limited window of time to save a natural tooth that has been knocked out. If you are unable to see the dentist in a timely manner, the tooth won’t be able to reestablish itself, leaving a gap in your smile that will need to be addressed with an implant, bridge or other restoration.
An infection or an abscess in the mouth may be life-threatening. If you notice an infection, please call us immediately.

Start Your Dental Implant Journey

Find out if you are a candidate for dental implants and learn how this treatment can elevate your smile. Our team is always happy to chat with you and answer any questions you have about our treatments and practices.

Find the South Cliff Dental location nearest you and give us a call today.