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What to do if You Have a Dental Emergency on the Weekend

Dental issues can arise suddenly, including on weekends when prompt care is essential. Melbourne Emergency Dental Clinic is available to handle urgent dental concerns such as damaged teeth, severe toothaches, and issues with wisdom teeth. These unexpected issues often need immediate attention, and our clinic will use the latest technology to provide effective care from your first visit.

If you have a dental emergency outside of our regular hours, contact us directly or use the online booking link to schedule an appointment. Our emergency dentists are committed to addressing your concerns swiftly, typically resolving them in just one visit.

We’ve developed this guide on how to handle dental emergencies, including steps to take if an accident occurs and prevention tips. We outline common symptoms and what actions to take in response. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact our reception.

Key Takeaways

For urgent dental issues, reach out to Melbourne Emergency Dental Clinic. Schedule an appointment directly or use our online booking system to ensure swift care.
If you need assistance outside of regular hours, call us at 9882 4556 or book an appointment online. Our emergency services can often resolve urgent issues in one visit.
Severe toothaches, infections, knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and fractures must be addressed quickly to prevent complications.
Prevent dental emergencies by using custom mouthguards, maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding harmful habits, and having regular check-ups.
Temporary pain relief methods include cold compresses and saltwater rinses.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency demands immediate care from a dental professional due to severe pain, major damage to teeth or gums, or the risk of losing a tooth. Common examples include a knocked-out tooth, intense toothache, cracked or chipped teeth, bleeding gums, a swollen jaw, or an abscess.

In Australia, approximately 37% of adult dental emergency visits to public hospital emergency departments are due to dental infections. Many sports activities happen on weekends, showing why emergency dental services are important. Sometimes, playing aggressively can lead to dental injuries.

A 2014 study by the Australian Dental Journal found that 37.5% of dental patients sought care on weekends, 30.5% after hours on weekdays, and 32% during regular weekday hours. This indicates that 68% of patients required care outside normal business hours, when many dental offices may be closed. In such cases, while it might feel like visiting your local emergency department is the only option, it’s actually better to contact your dental clinic to schedule a same-day appointment.

If you are experiencing a more serious issue and are not sure if you should visit the emergency room, check out our latest post, “Can I Go to Hospital for a Dental Emergency?”

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

these are the kinds of dental emergencies

Prompt dental care is essential for protecting your oral health. If you’re dealing with any dental issues, it’s important to reach out to a dentist as soon as possible.

Toothaches

Intense, persistent pain in a tooth is often caused by decay, an infection, or trauma. This type of pain may not be relieved by standard painkillers and can be a sign of a serious underlying issue.

Dental Infections

Dental infections are often located near the root of a tooth or in the spaces between the teeth and gums. These infections can spread to other areas, including surrounding teeth, gums, or even throughout the body, necessitating immediate attention.

Knocked-Out Teeth

A knocked-out tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket is typically due to a significant impact or injury. Quick action is crucial to attempt to reimplant and preserve the tooth.

Abscesses

Painful, swollen areas on the gums indicate a serious infection. Abscesses can cause significant discomfort and can spread if not treated urgently.

Fractured or Chipped Teeth

Fractures and chipped teeth can be caused by damage to a tooth from biting on hard substances, falls, or other trauma. This can lead to pain, sensitivity, and potentially further damage to the tooth structure.

Swelling

Noticeable inflammation in the mouth, face, or jaw often suggests an infection or abscess. Swelling may cause discomfort and may indicate the need for prompt dental intervention.

Gum Pain

Discomfort or pain in the gums may result from infections, injuries, or issues related to poor oral hygiene. You should address persistent gum pain to prevent further complications.

Injuries from Trauma

Damage to the teeth, gums, lips, or jaw can result from accidents or sports-related injuries. These injuries may require emergency treatment to address immediate pain and prevent long-term damage.

Displaced Dental Restorations

Fillings, crowns, or other dental work that have become loose or fallen out will expose the tooth to potential damage and discomfort. You’ll need urgent care to replace or repair the restoration.

Dental Surgery Complications

Problems occurring after dental procedures such as tooth extractions can lead to severe pain, unusual swelling, or persistent bleeding. These complications require prompt evaluation and treatment.

At Melbourne Emergency Dental Clinic, we’re here to provide the care and support you need when you need it most.

How can I Prevent a Dental Emergency on the Weekend?

these are the tips on dental emergency prevention

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks of dental emergencies, especially those caused by accidents or trauma, you can take several proactive measures to minimise the likelihood of such issues. Here’s how to protect your teeth and gums:

Use a Custom Mouthguard

If you’re involved in contact sports or high-impact activities, always wear a mouthguard custom-fitted by your dentist. This simple precaution helps shield your teeth from injury and reduces the risk of damage. It’s also beneficial if you grind your teeth at night, as it helps prevent damage and discomfort.

Do not use Teeth as Tools

Avoid using your teeth to open packages and bottles, or to chew on hard objects like ice or pen caps. This habit can lead to chips, cracks, or breakage of your teeth.

Maintain Regular Dental Check-Ups

Schedule and attend regular dental appointments. Routine check-ups allow your dentist to identify and address potential issues early, preventing minor problems from escalating into emergencies. Professional cleanings and diagnostic tools like X-rays will also help to detect potential issues before they develop into serious problems.

Establish Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Brushing after meals can further help in removing food particles and preventing decay. Consistent oral hygiene practices are crucial for maintaining overall dental health and avoiding dental emergencies.

Stick to Healthy Habits

Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including nuts, lean proteins, vegetables, and dairy products. These foods contribute to strong teeth and help prevent tooth decay.

Cut down on sugary and acidic foods to avoid enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity, which can lead to more serious dental issues. You should also quit smoking to prevent further damage.

What to do if you are in a Dental Emergency on the Weekend

If you find yourself needing urgent dental care, contact our friendly team at Melbourne Emergency Dental Clinic to discuss your situation and schedule an appointment with our emergency dentists.

Even if your issue isn’t an emergency, you can still reach out by phone or use our online booking system. We’re happy to arrange appointments on Saturdays or address any other concerns you might have.

Visit Melbourne Emergency Dental Clinic for Your Dental Emergency

Our goal at Melbourne Emergency Dental Clinic is to provide a variety of payment options so that everyone can afford dental care. Several payment options are available, as well as those linked to HICAPS. We also provide flexible payment plans that are easy to work with.

Make an appointment now to benefit from our flexible payment plans and get the dental treatment you need.

Dental Emergencies on the Weekend FAQs

Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to help reduce swelling and numb the pain
Saltwater Rinse: Gargle with a solution of salt and lukewarm water to act as an antiseptic, reducing inflammation and cleaning the affected area
Avoid Hard Foods: Steer clear of hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could exacerbate the pain or cause further damage

Severe Pain: Pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter medications or that disrupts daily activities should prompt a visit to an emergency dental clinic
Pus or Abscess: The presence of pus or a swollen, painful area on the gums may indicate an abscess, which requires urgent care to prevent complications.

If you enjoyed this piece, you may also want to see Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Considered Emergency?