Dental emergencies are common and, as the name implies, can happen at a (typically inopportune) moment’s notice. We deal with dental emergencies all the time and take a lot of pride in our ability to help patients in distress. Whether it’s severe pain, swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, these symptoms require immediate attention and care, which are core tenets of our practice.
In this article, I’ll dive into what constitutes a dental emergency, when it’s necessary to seek immediate medical attention, and how my caring team and I at Kelowna Dental Centre are here to deliver reliable and comprehensive emergency dental care to anyone that needs it, any time.
What Constitutes an Emergency Dental Procedure?
Let’s talk about what dental emergencies actually are. It’s pretty simple – severe pain, swelling, and uncontrolled bleeding should never be ignored. These symptoms are usually indicators that immediate dental care is necessary. While it’s important to note that most dental infections or diagnoses are not life-threatening, there are rare instances where, if left untreated, they can escalate to critical levels.
Understanding the severity of your symptoms and swiftly seeking professional help is essential to your overall health and well-being. Dental emergencies are stressful, hugely impacting your daily quality of life, and postponing treatment only leads to further complications. If you’re worried that you may be experiencing a dental emergency, seeking prompt, professional assistance is the best thing you can do – not only protect your teeth and gums but also ensure your peace of mind.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Deciding whether to wait or head straight to the emergency room in a dental situation be a challenging conundrum. Are you in a genuine state of emergency, or is one of your teeth just in pain? Firstly, don’t undersell discomfort – recognizing these situations early on can be a tremendous boon in preventing further complications. There are also several specific signs and symptoms that should never be ignored. If you recognize these indicators, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to seek immediate medical attention.
One sign warranting urgent care is if your mouth fills with blood within 30-60 seconds following some kind of impact or blunt force trauma. Excessive bleeding is a potential indicator of a severe dental issue requiring immediate attention. Similarly, if you notice visible swelling in your face, particularly when it reaches the size of a golf ball or larger, it’s crucial to act quickly. Swelling of this magnitude indicates a genuine dental emergency demanding prompt intervention.
Accompanying symptoms may further indicate the urgency of your dental situation. If you experience a fever, nausea, or shortness of breath along with significant facial swelling or bleeding, seek medical care immediately.
While it can be tricky to gauge the severity of your potential dental emergency, being aware of these signs can help guide your decision. Remember, your oral health is intricately connected to your overall well-being, and neglecting urgent dental issues can lead to further complications.
If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms or need professional guidance, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek immediate care. At Kelowna Dental Centre, we provide the support and expertise you need to address your dental emergencies promptly and effectively.
Common Dental Emergencies
Let’s talk about the typical dental emergency we see at the clinic: an abscessed tooth that causes swelling and intense pain. In abscessed cases, a root canal or extraction is usually required. But unlike many other clinics who may opt to evaluate then rebook patients for later-date procedures, at Kelowna Dental Centre, we take a care-centred, patient-first approach.
If a patient requires an emergency root canal or tooth extraction, we take action by administering an IV, extracting the tooth, and completing the entire procedure right on the spot. This level of attentiveness and commitment to our patients’ needs sets us apart and allows us to deliver world–class dental care.
Emergency Dental Care at KDC
Our clinic operates from Monday to Friday, 6 am to 5 pm, and we also provide an after-hours emergency line for each dentist in our practice. In emergency care situations, we go the extra mile by opening early in the morning or after hours to treat your dental emergency. We’re passionate about providing timely, reliable treatment, and that’s another reason why we reserve daily emergency appointments to ensure we can accommodate same-day emergencies without referrals.
Remember: Kelowna Dental Centre is here when you need us the most. On numerous occasions, we have treated serious facial infections that, if left untreated, could have led to critical systemic illness or even death. Our commitment to addressing dental emergencies promptly and professionally ensures that our patients receive the care they need to prevent further complications and restore their oral health.
We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional patient experience at every touchpoint. We understand dental emergencies are stressful, and our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to alleviate your condition.
Emergency Dental Services: Here When You Need Us
When dental emergencies strike, you can count on Kelowna Dental Centre. Our team of skilled professionals is ready to address your dental needs with expertise and efficiency. Feel confident reaching out to us if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, knowing you will receive the highest standard of care. Your oral health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing exceptional emergency dental services when you need them.
Contact Kelowna Dental Centre today and experience the difference we can make in your dental care journey.
We can’t wait to care for you!
Click here to book your next dental appointment.
Dr. Michael Webster
Kelowna Dental Centre Owner
General Dentist
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