Think of a situation where you or a member of your family suddenly experiences extreme tooth pain, has a swollen mouth, has a loose tooth or accidently knocks out a tooth. These are emergencies that cannot wait for a regular dentist appointment.
Dental injuries also carry the risk of infections and faster treatment means that any additional health issues can be avoided. So, besides ensuring quick pain relief and assistance for your injury, emergency care will significantly reduce the potential or continued side effects of an injury or infection. In situations such as these, the quicker that you get medical help, the sooner the problem (and pain) will be resolved.
If your dentist does not have an after-hour service, you need to familiarise yourself with a dental clinic such as Crown Dental Studio, that apart from standard dentistry, is equipped to handle such cases. We are able to assist at any time of day or night, seven days a week.
WHEN WOULD YOU NEED TO VISIT AN EMERGENCY DENTIST?
Chipped or Broken Tooth If you experience a broken tooth, having the extent of damage assessed so as to provide a suitable solution is important. An untreated broken tooth can sometimes lead to infections such as sepsis or osteomyelitis which is an infection of the bone. You may also develop an abscess which is very painful.
Knocked Out Tooth
An emergency dentist ensures that you receive faster treatment, which will make a big difference between whether or not your tooth is saved or lost. A knocked-out tooth may not always be lost for good. If you can get assistance, a dentist can successfully replant the tooth. However, you need to act quickly. Find the lost tooth, try to keep it in your mouth or place it in some milk, and get to a dental clinic to see what can be done to help. Dentists will also check to see if the tooth was completely knocked out and that no parts of the root are still attached. Thereafter a suitable course of action will be offered.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess can cause throbbing pain. The main goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection. To achieve this, the emergency dentist may open up and drain the abscess. The dentist will have to make a small cut into the abscess to allow the pus to drain out. The area will then be washed with saltwater or saline. If a problem with your tooth has caused the abscess, you may need root canal treatment, or the tooth may have to be removed. You will also be prescribed pain killers and possibly a course of antibiotics. Failure to treat an abscessed tooth can lead to severe complications.
Lost Filling or Crown
Fillings or crowns are meant to protect already damaged teeth. Seeking immediate help when you notice that they are missing is important. Often, a missing crown or filling could be an indication of an underlying problem such as a cavity. There is also the danger of increased sensitivity to the affected tooth and further deterioration.
Post-Dental Surgery Complications
In case you notice anything out of the normal after a dental procedure – such as swelling, redness or pain – make sure to immediately visit a dentist to determine if the recovery process is going well. This is especially important for surgery treatments as it could be an indication of an infection.
The staff at Crown Dental Studio understand the urgency and necessity of emergency dentistry services and will strive to accommodate you in the shortest possible time. Our dental rooms are well equipped with the latest dental technology, which ensures that we are able to provide wide-ranging services. We pride ourselves in providing professional, personalised After an emergency, we will refer you back to your regular dentist for continued follow-up.
Crown Dental Studio is one of the few truly 24-hour dental practises in Durban as this is not limited to emergency dentistry treatment.
New Address: 26 Mackeurtan Avenue, Durban North.
T: +27 (0)81 207 8621