Who Deals with Tooth Pain: Hospitals or Dentists?
Who Deals with Tooth Pain: Hospitals or Dentists?
Dental pain can be debilitating, and it’s important to know whether you need to wait for your dental practitioner to become available, or if your predicament needs urgent attention at the hospital. Dentists on the Gold Coast explores this conundrum below.
Types of Dental Emergencies
Broken Teeth:
There are many reasons a tooth can become chipped or cracked. A tooth can break because of biting down hard on something or due to a sudden impact when playing sports. In the event that you experience a broken tooth, do not panic, collect all fragments and keep them moist using milk or water until you can visit an emergency dental clinic like Dentists on the Gold Coast.
Knocked Out Teeth:
A tooth can also come loose and fall out completely intact. This can be a sign of many different dental problems and must be shown to an emergency clinic immediately. If the tooth has simply come loose and is still mostly in place, we recommend holding it in place by biting down on it gently and keeping it in one place. In the event that the tooth falls out completely, handle it with care! Hold it only by the crown and avoid any further damage to the root. Preserve the tooth in water or milk until emergency care can be provided.
Toothache:
Toothaches are caused by many different factors and while a mild toothache can be handled at home, a severe increase in pain must be attended to as soon as possible. Sometimes, flossing can help reduce the pain as it could be caused by food debris stuck between teeth. Never use sharp objects to clean between teeth as this can cause more pain and possible damage. Advanced tooth decay can cause an infection of the pulp. This is extremely painful as it exposes sensitive nerves around the tooth.
Popping Jaw:
If you suddenly find that you experience a popping sensation when you open your mouth or your jaw is locked, it is time to seek emergency care. Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the TMJ and nearby muscles. People to tend to clench their jaw or grind their teeth experience TMJ disorders due to the additional strain on the teeth and muscles of the jaw. Over time, this can cause disorders which require expert dental care. TMJ problems can affect the ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe in very serious cases.
Persistent Metallic Taste in Mouth:
For those who have metallic fillings, it is important to pay attention to the taste that lingers in the mouth. Over time, these fillings can crack or become loose, leading to a metallic taste in the mouth that increases over time. Ignoring this sign can expose the teeth to cavities and if left untreated, could require a dentist to perform a root canal. Contact your dentist for advice.
Swollen Jaw:
A swollen jaw could be the result of a serious infection, swollen lymph nodes, or in extremely rare cases, cancer. A swollen jaw could also be an indication of serious gum disease and must be shown to an emergency doctor as soon as possible so the cause can be identified.
Highly-Trained Dental Emergency Experts
Dentists on the Gold Coast is Bundall’s number one choice for every kind of dental emergency. Our dental professionals are experienced in the treatment of broken teeth, traumatic dental injuries and severe tooth and gum disease. Call us now if you are experiencing a dental emergency or book an appointment with us online!