A dental emergency is simply a tooth-related issue that requires prompt attention. There may be severe bleeding from the wound, a tooth being knocked out of your mouth, or excruciating pain. In these situations, visiting a dentist promptly gives the best chance of saving the tooth, relieving pain, and preventing the infection from worsening. Here are some less obvious examples of when you should visit a dentist immediately.
Swollen Gums
Swollen gums are a common symptom most patients will experience, the cause can be determined after visiting the dentist for your regular six-monthly check-up. Outside of this, larger-than-normal gums are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Swollen gums are an indication of inflammation, which could be caused by an infection. The inflammation could be caused by an abscess, which causes pus to accumulate around the infection site. Oral medication or a root canal may be used in the treatment protocol.
Swollen gums are often caused by:
- Pericoronitis, or localized gum inflammation of the flap of skin covering the partially erupted tooth, is a condition that occurs around an impacted wisdom tooth. We would need to remove the debris locally in that area, and a dentist visit is necessary. On occasion, antibiotics may also be required. It’s important to discuss with your dentist whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary if there is persistent swelling in the same area.
- A sign of bacteria build-up brought on by plaque left on the teeth. Usually found all over the mouth as a result of improper brushing or oral hygiene practices. This happens frequently, and our hygienist is fully prepared to help you get back on track.
- Localized gum swelling, which is typically found above a tooth, can resemble a pimple on the surface of your gum. Diagnostic imaging is required by your dentist and often we find an abscess discovered beneath the tooth root when this occurs. Not all root abscesses are accompanied by swollen gums; some cause teeth to hurt when you bite down on them or a dull ache that lasts all day and night.
Continuous Bleeding
Persistent or recurring gum bleeding is generally a sign that something needs attention — healthy gums should not bleed regularly.. While it is common for most to experience bleeding gums at least once in our lives, it is our body’s sign that inflammation is present. If it persists after thorough at-home cleaning and flossing. It is essential to visit your hygienist regularly.
This should go without saying, but if you’re experiencing gum bleeding that won’t stop, there’s clearly something wrong. While bleeding gums are not always abnormal, those with sensitive gums may experience it if they brush or floss too aggressively; it is a classic symptom of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes inflammation and bleeding at the gumline. Periodontitis, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies are all potential causes of severe bleeding. Because there are so many possibilities, getting the problem checked out as soon as possible is critical. The solution could be simple, or it could require more invasive treatment.
Avulsion Or Luxation
Although you may not be familiar with these terms, you have likely seen how they appear. An avulsion occurs when a tooth is completely knocked out of its socket and requires a same-day urgent dental appointment to reposition the tooth. Luxation, on the other hand, occurs when a tooth is displaced from its normal upright position but remains in the mouth. This often happens when a tooth is knocked at an angle following trauma.
In either case, it is important to see a dentist on the same day as the injury. The dentist will reposition the tooth as close to its original position as possible and may splint it to the neighbouring teeth to help the injured area heal and stabilise the tooth. These types of dental emergencies commonly result from sports injuries, car accidents, or any blow to the head.
Hutt Dental Hub
Every week, we set aside a few appointments for emergency dental care so that we can assist those who require immediate treatment. These include severe toothaches, infections, trauma, and oral bleeding. Our team will work as efficiently as possible to help relieve your pain and address the underlying issue, and will treat you with respect and kindness. If you require an emergency appointment, please contact our team as soon as possible as they may be able to offer you a time slot. Our goal during this appointment will be to reduce your pain as much as possible and assess the underlying problem, with further treatment planned as needed. You may require additional follow-up appointments in the future.
Hutt Dental Hub is a dental clinic serving the Lower Hutt community. Our dentist in Lower Hutt provides a wide range of services including general dentistry, dental implants, orthodontics, emergency appointments, and dental sedation. Using advanced 3D digital technology, we deliver accurate, patient-focused care. As NZDA members, our team is committed to ongoing professional development and best practice.
