We’ve all experienced it. One moment you’re enjoying your morning coffee, the next you’ve bitten down on something unexpectedly hard, and now you have a persistent toothache. But is it severe enough to call your dentist for emergency dental care and get urgent treatment? Or can it wait?
What counts as a dental emergency?
Not all dental issues require immediate treatment, but some do. Here are key indicators that you should book an emergency dentist visit in Fremantle as soon as possible:
- Severe tooth pain: If painkillers provide no relief and the discomfort is disrupting your sleep, it’s time to seek professional help.
- Knocked-out tooth: Seeing a dentist promptly increases the likelihood of saving the tooth.
- Cracked or fractured tooth: Particularly if it’s causing pain or has sharp edges that could damage soft tissue.
- Uncontrolled bleeding: Whether due to an injury or gum disease, excessive bleeding should not be ignored.
- Swelling or abscess: Facial swelling, pus, or a persistent unpleasant taste may indicate a serious infection that requires urgent care.
- Lost or damaged dental work: A missing filling, crown, or bridge can leave your tooth susceptible to further deterioration.
- Severe pain while biting or chewing: This could signify an underlying infection, decay, or a structural issue requiring emergency dental care.
- Sudden numbness in your mouth or jaw: This could be a symptom of nerve damage or an advanced infection requiring immediate intervention.
If you are uncertain, give Fremantle Dental Care a call, and we will assess whether you need immediate attention or if the issue can be managed with a scheduled appointment.
When can you wait for a regular appointment?
Not every dental concern requires same-day treatment. Some issues, while uncomfortable, can be temporarily managed with over-the-counter pain relief and home care:
- Mild toothache: If it is bothersome but not severe, it may not require immediate attention.
- Chipped tooth: If it is not causing discomfort, it can usually wait.
- Loose filling or crown: If the nerve is not exposed, a scheduled visit should suffice.
- Mild gum irritation: Often due to food particles or minor injury, which can improve with saltwater rinses.
- Slight tooth sensitivity: Typically linked to enamel erosion or minor cavities, manageable until your next appointment.
- Mild jaw discomfort: Frequently associated with teeth grinding or minor alignment issues, best evaluated at your next dental check-up.
However, if any of these conditions worsen suddenly, do not hesitate to contact us.
What to do in a dental emergency
Stay calm and take appropriate action while arranging an emergency dentist visit with Fremantle Dental Care:
- For a knocked-out tooth: Preserve it in milk or saliva (not water) and visit a dentist within an hour for the best chance of reimplantation.
- For pain and swelling: Apply a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain relief (avoid aspirin if bleeding is present).
- For a fractured tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
- For bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze and avoid excessive spitting, which can prolong bleeding.
- For lost fillings or crowns: Keep the restoration safe and use dental cement or sugar-free gum to temporarily cover the affected area.
- For suspected jaw fractures: Keep your jaw immobilized and seek immediate medical attention.
Why Fremantle Dental Care?
Dental emergencies can be distressing. That’s why at Fremantle Dental Care, we provide prompt, compassionate care to alleviate pain and restore oral health. Our experienced team offers same-day emergency dental care, ensuring you receive timely treatment.
With a focus on patient comfort and expert care, we deliver precise diagnoses and effective solutions to address urgent dental concerns. Whether it’s a severe toothache, trauma, or an infection, our goal is to restore comfort and prevent further complications.
If you require an emergency dentist in Fremantle, contact us immediately or book online. We are here to provide the urgent care you need.
