Do I Need Emergency Dental Services?
Dental problems occur all the time, but how can you tell if you need emergency dental services? A dental emergency can happen suddenly; maybe you fall and have a tooth knocked out. Conversely, a dental issue can also start small and slowly worsen over the course of days or weeks, such as a toothache that gradually becomes more painful.
For dental problems that develop slowly over time and might go unnoticed until they are too late, prevention is paramount. You can avoid some of these situations by ensuring you have a good oral hygiene routine and regular checkups with your dentist.
If at any point, you think you are having a dental emergency, contact us immediately. Here at Fraserview Dental we offer emergency dental services 7 days a week during both clinic’s open and closed hours. We do our best to see our emergency patients as quickly as possible. You do not need to be a previous patient to access our emergency dental services. During the closed hours, we will do our best to manage symptoms until you can have access to more definitive treatment.
The Four Most Common Emergency Dental Cases
Dental emergencies can come in many shapes and forms. Some are more common than others. Sometimes they are considered urgent emergencies that should be addressed immediately and other times, you can call our office and make an appointment to see one of our dentists at your earliest convenience. A few common emergency dental cases that we see include toothaches, bleeding or swollen gums, a lost filling or crown, and broken or cracked teeth. These problems can overlap as well.
Toothaches
If you are dealing with a toothache, you should always call your dentist. It is important to figure out the cause of your pain. If your toothache has been going on for longer than a day or two and your pain is moderate to severe, you require emergency dental services. Please call us and inform us of your symptoms.
Our team of dental care professionals will make recommendations based on your situation. While waiting to see us, you can gargle with saltwater to reduce bacteria and take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate your pain. You can also apply a cold compress for the pain but do not apply heat.
If your symptoms are extreme and do not subside with Advil and/or Tylenol until you can get into your emergency dental appointment, please call the after-hour services.
Do Bleeding Gums Require Immediate Emergency Dental Services?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or a bigger infection. It can sometimes happen after flossing your teeth or due to infected tooth nerve. Plaque and tartar build up on the gums is the main cause. You can prevent bleeding gums with a good oral hygiene routine, including flossing properly and brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
If you are bleeding excessively, you should see a dentist right away to treat the issue and eliminate the underlying cause of the problem. Our treatment will vary depending on the situation. Contact us and we can help you asses the type of dental treatment you need for immediate and long-term oral health.
Lost Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown might be an indication that a cavity is forming underneath, which can result in the old restorative work becoming loose.
Losing a filling or crown can cause temperature sensitivity and pain, so you should seek emergency dental services right away for an assessment. In the meantime, you can protect your tooth by rinsing your mouth with warm water and putting sugarless gum in place of your filling or crown temporarily. The chewing gum is only a short-term solution, and we need a better assessment and definitive treatment to prevent the problem from getting worse and needing a root canal or extraction.
Broken, Cracked, or Missing Teeth
Breaking or cracking a tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies. This usually happens if you fall or accidentally get hit in the face. Hold on to any pieces of the chipped or broken tooth, call us right away, and bring them when you come in for your appointment.
Rinse your mouth with warm water and eat soft foods. If the break is severe, our dentists may have to perform a root canal and/or use a crown. In a worse case scenario, the tooth may not be restorable and might require extraction.
If you get a minor chip in your tooth, you should still get it assessed by a dental professional. Further chipping and breakage can happen or there might be an underlying cavity that led to the initial chipping. Be careful when you chew and avoid hard foods to prevent further chipping.
When Should You Go to The Hospital for a Dental Emergency?
There are situations in which you should go to the hospital for your dental emergency rather than calling us to see one of our dentists. Suppose you are having a severe swelling that is affecting your swallowing or breathing. In that case, you should go directly to the hospital. You may need IV antibiotics as well as drainage.
If you have had any injuries or trauma to the face or jaw, and again, affecting your breathing or ability to swallow, please go to the hospital. In any potentially life-threatening situations, do not wait for an emergency dental services appointment at a local dental clinic as it is beyond our capabilities. Go straight to the hospital’s emergency room.
Fraserview Emergency Dental Services
Our team at Fraserview Dental is here to offer our patients in South Vancouver emergency dental services. We are generally able to see patients within 24 hours, and we have the knowledge and experience to do most dental procedures in-house. We are conveniently located and have lots of parking space available so you can reach us quickly and conveniently. We are also accepting new patients. Call us and book an appointment today!