What defines a true dental emergency?
Simply, a dental emergency is any oral health issue that causes significant pain, bleeding, functional impairment, or poses a risk of infection if left untreated. While many problems can wait for a scheduled appointment, others require prompt evaluation by an emergency dentist in Coffs Harbour to prevent long-term complications. Knowing the difference may save your tooth, could relieve severe discomfort, and help protect your overall health.
Here are five key symptoms that signal a need for immediate dental attention.
Symptom 1: Severe, Unrelenting Toothache
Persistent or escalating pain may signal nerve inflammation from dental breakage, deep decay, or an infection. If pain does not ease with over-the-counter medication or becomes sharp, throbbing, or temperature-sensitive, emergency care is essential.
Symptom 2: Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Adult Tooth
A knocked-out tooth requires urgent treatment, ideally within 30 minutes, for the best chance of saving the natural tooth. To boost your odds of successful reimplantation, make sure to handle the tooth only by the crown, rinse it, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and head straight to your dentist.
Symptom 3: Facial or Gum Swelling (Potential Abscess)
Swelling of the gums, jaw, or face often indicates an infection or abscess. Dental abscesses can spread quickly, making prompt treatment critical. If swelling is accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing, emergency care becomes even more urgent.
Symptom 4: Broken, Fractured, or Severely Chipped Tooth
Whether caused by trauma, biting down on something hard, or untreated decay, a fractured tooth can expose the nerve and lead to infection. Prompt treatment helps preserve the tooth's structure and prevents worsening pain.
Symptom 5: Persistent Bleeding from the Mouth
Bleeding that doesn’t slow after applying pressure for 10–15 minutes is considered a dental emergency. This may occur after trauma, extraction complications, or gum disease flare-ups.
When to Go to the Hospital Instead of the Dentist
Though hospitals aren’t typically equipped to treat dental emergencies, if you experience difficulty breathing, severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling that restricts swallowing, head to the emergency room; these symptoms may indicate a medical emergency rather than a dental one.
Do You Need Emergency Dentistry in Coffs Harbour?
If you’re in Coffs Harbour and want to learn more about dental emergency symptoms and when to seek urgent care, contact Dr Justin Ward and the Arthur Street Dental team to arrange a consultation.