The Risks of Ignoring a Dental Emergency: Why Immediate Care is Crucial

Dental emergencies can be sudden and scary, unexpected and urgent, or prolonged and painful. But one thing a dental emergency should never be is ignored.

Still, we know that dental emergencies are often minimised or overlooked. 

This guide explores why immediate care is essential, and how contacting our emergency dentist in Victoria Park, Port Coogee, Cockburn or Ocean Keys can minimise your pain and improve treatment results.

What constitutes a “dental emergency”?

A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage or complications. That can include any sudden issues or injuries that cause significant pain, bleeding, or damage to teeth or gums. 

Here are some of the most common situations our emergency dentists in Victoria Park see:

  • Severe toothache: This can indicate a cavity, infection, or nerve damage
  • Knocked-out tooth: Prompt action is necessary to preserve the tooth and increase the chances of reimplantation
  • Broken or cracked tooth: As well as causing pain, broken teeth become an infection risk if left untreated
  • Lost filling or crown: This can expose the tooth to decay and sensitivity
  • Dental abscess: A painful infection that can spread to other parts of the body

If you’re unsure whether your situation meets the definition of a “dental emergency,” it’s always best to seek medical advice. Contact your nearest emergency dentists in Victoria Park, Port Coogee, Cockburn or Ocean Keys for professional help.

Read more: How to Handle a Dental Emergency While Travelling.

Five reasons NOT to ignore a dental emergency

Ignoring a potential dental emergency almost always makes things worse. We would prefer to treat a ‘mild’ emergency than risk you suffering the consequences of delaying treatment.

1. Early intervention can save your smile

    Delaying care for issues like knocked-out teeth, decay or abscesses may lead to permanent tooth loss. Losing a tooth affects not only your appearance but also your speech and ability to eat.Resolving this will incur greater cost by either replacing a tooth with an implant, the use of a bridge or even the future need for a denture.

    By addressing dental emergencies promptly, you can often save the tooth and prevent all kinds of longer-term discomfort.

    2. Preventing infections and health complications

      Tooth infections can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious health problems like sepsis which can lead hospitalisation and far worse irreversible damage to your body

      Early intervention is crucial. Our emergency dentists can assess your situation and provide the appropriate medical care to fight infections before they spread.

      3. Pain management is more effective

        Untreated dental issues can cause severe pain. It’s often difficult to eat, drink or sleep.

        Our emergency dentists can provide pain relief as a start and other treatments to alleviate discomfort. You can go back to enjoying life at your normal pace while we arrange any further treatments.

        4. Treatment becomes more expensive and invasive

          Small problems can quickly escalate, requiring more complex and costly procedures. Dealing with dental emergencies early helps to isolate the issue and minimise the risk of long-term complications. As mentioned above in the first reason, delaying getting an emergency treatment will usually result in more intervention that comes at greater cost and risk.

          5. Oral health is overall health

            Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Prompt attention to dental emergencies plays a critical role in maintaining both.

            What to do if you experience a dental emergency

            • Remain calm or try to calm the patient
            • Apply gentle pressure to a bleeding injury with a clean cloth
            • Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris
            • Contact Allied Dental to schedule an emergency dentist appointment

            Read more: Tips for Managing Dental Pain Until You See an Emergency Dentist.

            Allied Dental is here to help in a dental emergency

            We are committed to providing same-day care for Perth’s dental emergencies. Contact your nearest Allied Dental emergency dentists in Victoria Park, Port Coogee, Cockburn or Ocean Keys to get access to the care you need without delay..