In the face of a dental emergency, swift and decisive action often makes the difference between saving a tooth and more severe consequences and lingering discomfort and future complications.
Common Dental Emergencies - And What To Do When They Strike
A dental emergency that necessitates immediate attention is a knocked-out permanent (or adult) tooth. When an adult tooth is dislodged from its socket due to trauma or decay, the chances of saving the natural
tooth diminish rapidly with time. Seeking dental care within the first hour – with the tooth gently cleaned and in a container of milk – significantly increases the likelihood of saving the tooth.
When dental trauma fractures a tooth or displaces restoration (like a porcelain crown), timely intervention is crucial to prevent further damage. If left untreated, a fractured tooth can deteriorate over time, lose its structural integrity, and become increasingly susceptible to infection or disease.
Severe and unrelenting toothaches or abscesses similarly require immediate treatment to address both immediate pain and the underlying decay and infection. Ignoring persistent tooth pain can allow infection to spread to surrounding tissues, your jawbone, and even other parts of your body.
In short, quickly recognising the urgency of dental emergencies, acting promptly, and seeking out professional care go a long way in minimising pain and mitigating complications that can threaten long-term oral function and aesthetics.
Find Your Emergency Dentist in Narre Warren, VIC
If you need an emergency dentist in Narre Warren South, VIC, with experience compassionately and effectively guiding patients through the tense moments that accompany a dental emergency, contact Dr Christina Thevapalan and the friendly and caring Ava Dental team to schedule a consultation.