Dental Emergencies

ABOUT WHEN TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY HOW THE SERVICE WORKS AFTER CARE FAQ'S AGREEMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS

About Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are episodes involving intense discomfort, trauma to the oral region or situations that can compromise general health if not treated quickly. Through this service, patients can get assistance in unexpected cases that arise outside of regular appointments, including problems related to treatments carried out previously, such as fractures of fixed prostheses on implants or other complications that compromise the integrity of crowns and veneers.

Paciente numa consulta de avaliação dentária.

Dental emergencies are available on weekdays, from 9am to 6pm or from 8am to 7pm in the case of the Lisbon clinic, and are designed to provide immediate and accessible support at conventional times. It's important to note that most of the time, general hospital emergency rooms are not qualified to provide the best treatment for dental emergencies, providing only symptomatic treatment (medication) which doesn't really solve the problem.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

When Should You Go To The Dental Emergency Room?

Although not all dental problems are considered emergencies, some conditions require immediate assessment and treatment. Listed below are the most common cases that warrant seeking emergency assistance:

Severe Dental Pain

Persistent, severe pain can indicate serious problems such as infections, deep cavities or inflammation of the nerve (pulpitis).

Tooth fracture or Tooth loss

Traumas that result in broken, chipped or completely dislocated teeth should be assessed quickly to maximize the chances of recovery. In the specific case of trauma to children's permanent teeth, ensuring that the child is ideally seen within an hour of the trauma can be decisive in the success of reattaching the fragment or tooth.

Infections or Abscesses

Swelling, pulsating pain or the presence of pus in the gums can be signs of a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Bleeding

Bleeding that doesn't stop, whether due to trauma, recent tooth extraction or another condition, needs immediate attention.

Problems with Dentures or Braces

Fixed prostheses, fractured crowns or veneers or orthodontic appliances that cause pain, sores or functional difficulties are also reasons to seek urgent care.

Foreign Bodies

If an object gets stuck between your teeth or gums and cannot be safely removed, you should seek professional help.

Oral Trauma

Blows to the teeth, lips, tongue or other oral structures require assessment to check for possible damage.

How does Emergency Dental Care Work?

The dental emergency care process is designed to be fast, effective and focused on the immediate relief of symptoms.

1. Advance booking
Although it's an emergency service, it's best to contact the clinic before you go. This ensures that the professional is prepared for the specific case.
2. Initial assessment
On arrival at the clinic, the dentist will carry out an initial assessment to identify the cause of the problem. Information will be gathered about the patient's symptoms and medical history.
3. Complementary tests
In some cases, additional tests, such as X-rays, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment.
4. Immediate treatment
Once the problem has been identified, the most appropriate treatment will be carried out to relieve the pain, eliminate the infection or stabilize the situation. In the case of fractures of fixed prostheses on implants or crowns, the fact that MALO CLINIC has a specialized in-house laboratory means that the situation can be resolved quickly and in a coordinated manner.
5. Follow-up Plan
Often, dental emergencies treat the immediate problem, but require additional appointments to complete the treatment. The dentist will advise you on the next steps.

Aftercare

After emergency treatment, it's important to follow the dentist's recommendations, take the prescribed medication (if necessary) and schedule a follow-up appointment. This will help prevent the problem from reappearing or developing into something more serious.

Dental emergencies are an essential service for those who need immediate assistance. Knowing when and how to use this resource is fundamental to protecting oral health and preventing future complications. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described, don't hesitate to make an appointment.

At MALO CLINIC, your oral health is our priority. Come and meet our team and find out how we can help transform your smile.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

FAQ's

1. What is considered a real dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that causes severe pain, significant discomfort or the risk of complications, such as infection or trauma.
2. Can I go directly to the clinic without an appointment?
It is preferable to contact the clinic beforehand to ensure that there is availability and that the emergency will be directed to the specialty area and dentist best suited to your case.
3. How long does emergency care take?
The duration varies according to the complexity of the problem, but the priority is to relieve the symptoms and stabilize the situation.
4. Are dental emergencies covered by health insurance?
It depends on the type of insurance and the cover taken out. It is advisable to check with the insurance company before seeking service.
5. What if I can't get to the clinic straight away?
Until you can seek care, you can take measures such as rinsing your mouth out with warm water, applying ice to the affected area (if there is swelling) and avoiding chewing on the painful area. However, these are temporary solutions and are no substitute for an assessment by a dentist, who can often give you precise instructions on what to do over the phone, especially if it's your regular dentist or clinic, as they know your previous condition better.
6. Can toothache go away without treatment?
Although the pain may ease temporarily, it is unlikely to go away without professional intervention, especially if it is related to infection or tooth decay.
7. How much does emergency dental care cost?
The cost of an emergency consultation is 80€.
8. Can I avoid dental emergencies?
Many emergencies can be prevented with good oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist and proper care when chewing or playing sports.
9. What to do if a permanent tooth is fractured or lost?
If possible, retrieve the tooth by holding it by the crown (visible part) and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with running water or saline solution (without scrubbing). If this is not possible, place the tooth in a container with milk, saline solution or even in your mouth between your cheek and gum and go to the clinic immediately. However, in the case of children under the age of 7, if it is a baby tooth, you should avoid trying to replace it.
10. Can children also be treated in dental emergencies?
Yes, children can be treated for pain, trauma or other unexpected dental problems.
11. What if the problem occurs outside of office hours?
In such cases, you should go to a 24-hour clinic or hospital if the situation cannot wait until opening hours. They usually prescribe medication that should temporarily control the pain or infection, but it won't solve the problem, so you should consult a dentist as soon as possible.