The vast majority of hospitals do not have a dental service. However, some hospitals may have a dental area or a specialist in dentistry integrated into their services. But if not, can you go to the hospital for a dental emergency?
Here’s what you need to know.
Do Hospitals Have Dentists in Australia?
No, most hospitals in Australia do not have dentists on staff. For dental emergencies, it’s best to contact an emergency dentist. Hospitals can provide temporary relief for severe pain, heavy bleeding, or trauma, but follow-up care with a dentist is essential.
Can I Go to the Hospital for a Dental Emergency in Australia?
Yes, you can go to the hospital for a dental emergency in Australia, particularly if the situation is severe or life-threatening. Hospitals can provide immediate relief for issues like intense pain, heavy bleeding, or trauma to the mouth and face. However, they may not offer specialized dental care, so it is advisable to see a dentist as soon as possible for comprehensive treatment.
What Are the Most Common Dental Emergencies Treated in Hospitals?
The most common dental emergencies treated in hospitals include:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Intense tooth pain that may indicate an underlying issue, such as an infection or abscess.
- Bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth that does not stop with pressure.
- Dental Trauma: Injuries to the teeth or face, including knocked-out teeth or fractures.
- Swelling: Facial swelling, especially if it affects breathing or is associated with pain.
- Abscesses: Infections that can cause swelling, pain, and fever, requiring immediate attention.
- Fractured Teeth: Significant breaks that expose the tooth’s nerve or cause severe discomfort.
While hospitals can provide initial care for these emergencies, follow-up with a dentist is necessary for comprehensive treatment and resolution of the underlying issues.
Read more about common dental emergencies here: What Would Be Considered a Dental Emergency?
Can You Go to the Hospital for Tooth Pain?
Yes, you can go to the hospital for tooth pain, but it’s primarily for severe cases. Hospitals can provide temporary relief for dental emergencies, such as intense pain, heavy bleeding, or infections. However, they lack specialized dental care, so follow-up with a dentist is essential for proper treatment.
A Dental Emergency Requires Immediate Attention
Generally, a dental emergency that requires a visit to the hospital is related to trauma, cracked tooth, or broken jaw. In any case, a dental emergency has less to do with toothaches or cosmetic problems such as pain in dental implants, unless you feel severe pain, and has more to do with injury or bleeding.
Read more: What to Do in a Dental Emergency?
How Quickly Can a Hospital Respond to a Dental Emergency?
Hospitals provide emergency dental care, but response times vary based on triage and patient volume. They aim to treat urgent cases within 24 hours but may only offer temporary relief, requiring follow-up with a dentist.
Although these are the most common experiences in dental emergencies, they are not the only ones. Sometimes, there are situations when you may not have the option to go to your dentist.
What Type of Dental Emergencies Can Not Be Treated in a Hospital Without a Dentist?
Certain dental emergencies cannot be effectively treated in a hospital without a dentist present. These include:
- Restorative Procedures: Treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals are not performed in hospitals, as they require specialized dental equipment and expertise.
- Knocked-Out Teeth: While hospitals can provide temporary care, replanting a knocked-out tooth is best done by a dentist within a specific time frame.
- Severe Toothaches: These often indicate underlying issues that require dental intervention, such as infections or decay, which hospitals cannot address comprehensively.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns: Emergency rooms can provide pain relief but cannot replace lost dental restorations.
- Abscesses: While hospitals can manage infections and prescribe antibiotics, definitive treatment usually requires a dentist.
- Fractured Teeth: Emergency rooms may stabilize the situation but cannot perform necessary dental repairs.
Most treatments, operations, and solutions for dental problems can only be performed by a dentist. This is one of the main reasons why some dental emergencies that require, for example, a tooth extraction, cannot be solved in a hospital. Since by doing so, the staff would be acting illegally.
When to Visit the Dentist in a Dental Emergency?
When experiencing a dental emergency, it’s crucial to know when to visit a dentist for immediate care. Here are the key situations that warrant an urgent visit:
- Severe Toothache: Ongoing pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Immediate action is needed to increase the chance of saving the tooth.
- Fractured or Broken Teeth: Any significant damage that exposes the nerve or causes severe pain.
- Excessive Bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding from the gums or mouth.
- Swelling: Significant swelling in the face, cheeks, or gums, especially if associated with pain.
- Abscess or Infection: Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and pus, require prompt treatment.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns: If a filling or crown comes out, it needs to be replaced to protect the tooth.
Whether you go to a hospital for a dental emergency or to the dentist office, it is just like any other emergency and must be attended to immediately. Especially since the response time makes the difference between life and death or the prevention of a more severe problem.
In conclusion, if you have a dental emergency, contact a dentist in Sunbury. Go to a hospital if you lose a lot of blood, but contact a dentist after you go. In any case, do your best to find a 24-hour emergency dentist. We strongly recommend you to look for a dental clinic to consider in cases of emergency.
