Emergency Dental Services
Occasionally, there are certain dental conditions that require prompt attention from a dental professional. Being seen as soon as possible is important because it can get you out of pain, help you save a tooth, or even prevent a life-threatening infection.
Here are a few conditions that can require emergency dental care in Singapore. If you are ever unsure, it is always a good idea to see your dentist promptly for proper evaluation and management.
- Toothache or Dental Pain: Experiencing a toothache indicates an underlying issue in your mouth. The sharp and intense pain, which may disrupt your sleep, should not be ignored. While over-the-counter painkillers can provide temporary relief, it is crucial to promptly see your dentist, even if the pain subsides.
- Swelling around Your Gums: Noticeable swelling accompanied by tenderness when pressed may indicate an active infection. Seeking immediate treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading and worsening. If your gums bleed, particularly after brushing, it is often a sign of gum disease. While not an emergency, it should be addressed by a dental professional sooner rather than later.
- Food or Object Stuck between Teeth: The discomfort caused by something lodged between your teeth can be bothersome. If the object remains below the gumline for an extended period, it can lead to infection. If gentle flossing doesn’t resolve the issue, contacting your dentist for assistance is recommended.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth or Filling: A chipped tooth can affect aesthetics and cause sensitivity or discomfort. Seeking immediate dental attention is important to restore the tooth and prevent further deterioration. A deep crack, particularly if the tooth nerve is affected, can lead to intensified pain that worsens over time, necessitating prompt dental management.
- Dental Trauma (Impact Injuries to Teeth and Mouth): Traumatic dental injuries, often occurring in children and young adults due to falls, accidents, or unsafe activities, can result in damage to teeth, bone, and surrounding tissues. Immediate emergency dental attention in Singapore is necessary to improve outcomes and prevent complications, regardless of whether it affects baby teeth or permanent teeth.
Following an injury, it is important to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. The following are the most common examples of traumatic dental injuries:
- Tooth that is broken or painful following impact
- Loose or displaced tooth following impact
- Tooth knocked out from the socket
- Injury to the jawbone
It is important to note that information provided above is generalised and does not serve to replace medical or dental advice in consultation with a physician or dentist.
Do seek emergency dental care in Singapore as soon as possible if you experience any dental issues, as prompt treatment can help prevent further complications and preserve the health and function of the teeth and gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, save a tooth, or address a condition that could worsen without prompt treatment.
If a tooth gets knocked out, handle it by the crown (top) and rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty. Try to reinsert it into the socket, but if that’s not possible, place it in a container of milk or saliva. Contact your dentist immediately for urgent care.
For temporary relief, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped debris. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. Contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible.
Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Save any broken tooth fragments if possible. Contact your dentist for an emergency appointment to assess the damage and determine the appropriate treatment.
