Getting emergency help from a dentist
Knowing when to seek out emergency dental treatment is an important part of oral health care. Emergency dental treatment can help prevent further damage to your teeth and gums, as well as reduce the risk of infection and other complications. Emergency dental treatment can also help reduce pain and discomfort associated with a dental emergency, allowing you to return to your normal activities as soon as possible. By seeking emergency dental treatment when necessary, you can ensure that any underlying problems are addressed quickly and effectively so that you can maintain optimal oral health and avoid serious complications such as wide-spread infection.
At Oh My Smile we understand that emergency dental treatment can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you are not prepared. It is important to be aware of the different treatments available and how to access them in an emergency.
So what does a dental emergency actually look like? From a dental crown or filling falling off to a chronic toothache that prevents you from sleeping, dental emergencies come in different guises. Generally speaking, any dental issue that involves bleeding that is not stopping, severe pain, or a risk of losing a tooth, is considered an emergency. Emergency dental treatment also applies to severe infections that if left untreated can become life-threatening.
First and foremost do not worry, you are not alone! In our clinic we see dental emergencies every day and the four most common emergency issues are broken or cracked teeth, a dental abscess, a knocked-out tooth, and severe toothache. Let’s take a closer look at each problem…
Broken or cracked tooth
A broken or cracked tooth can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience. It is important to seek dental attention as soon as possible when you notice any signs of a damaged tooth. Your dentist will be able to assess the extent of the damage and provide you with treatment options. Treatment options may include fillings, crowns, root canals, or even extraction depending on the severity of the damage.
Remember to collect any tooth fragments and take them along to your emergency appointment. You should also rinse your mouth with warm water to ensure the area is clean prior to arrival. Applying a cold compress to the area on your cheek will help to reduce any swelling.
Dental abscess
A dental abscess is a serious condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort. It occurs when bacteria enter the tooth, resulting in an infection. The infection is often caused by ignoring a cavity, an injury, or even from old dental work. This infection can spread to other parts of the body and can even be life-threatening if left untreated.
The most common symptoms of a dental abscess include swelling, redness, tenderness of the affected area, bad breath and a fever. Treatment for a dental abscess usually involves draining the infected area with antibiotics and possibly extraction or root canal therapy if needed. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to avoid further complications.
Knocked-out tooth
A knocked-out tooth can be a traumatic experience and it is important to act quickly to increase the chances of reattaching the tooth. Follow these steps to try and save the tooth:
- Do not panic
- Pick the tooth up by the crown or top
- Avoid damage to the roots
- Rinse off any dirt or debris with cold water for no more 10 seconds
- Try to put the tooth back in to the socket
- If putting the tooth back in the socket is not possible, place the tooth in milk or hold it in your cheek until you see the dentist – but do not have a child put the tooth in their mouth as this is a choking hazard)
- If the tooth does go in the socket, keep it in place on your way to the dentist by biting down on a damp cloth
- Seek out emergency dental treatment quickly
*If the tooth is a baby tooth do not put it back into the socket – doing this could damage the permanent tooth that is growing underneath it.
Severe toothache
Severe toothache is a common dental problem that affects many people. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as cavities, gum disease, infection, and trauma. The pain from toothache can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by swelling or bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to further complications and even the loss of the tooth. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help if you experience severe toothache in order to prevent further damage and preserve your oral health.
If your toothache is mild, follow these steps to try to ease your discomfort before calling us:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to flush it out and to ensure cleanliness
- Floss between your teeth to remove any food debris
If your discomfort is not easing, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today to avoid the issue worsening.
Are you having a dental emergency? If you relate to one of the dental emergencies you have just read about, or if you think you are having a different kind of dental emergency, call our clinic as soon as possible. We are here to restore your oral health and give you back your smile without delay.
To schedule your appointment:
Contact us today: 0161 549 0741
Remember, taking proper care of your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health and avoiding further damage to your teeth.
FAQs
What treatments can emergency dentists do?
Emergency dentists are trained to treat a wide range of dental issues, from toothaches to broken teeth. They provide the same treatments as regular dentists, such as fillings, root canals, and crowns. However, they also specialise in emergency care and can provide a variety of treatments that are not available at a regular dental practice. These treatments include extractions, trauma treatment, and emergency surgery. Emergency dentists are also experienced in providing pain relief for severe cases of dental pain that cannot be relieved with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Why is my dental pain worse at night?
Tooth pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and often worse at night. This is due to a combination of factors, including the lack of distractions at nighttime, a decrease in saliva flow, and changes in blood circulation resulting in increased blood pressure putting more pressure on your painful tooth. Additionally, the pressure of your pillow on your teeth can cause discomfort and even increase tooth sensitivity.
The good news is that you can try the following steps to help you doze before your dental appointment:
- Avoid eating acidic, sugary and cold foods, which can all make your toothache worse.
- Complete a thorough oral hygiene routine before bed including brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash to remove any traces of debris that could be aiding the discomfort.
- Rinse with a salt and warm water mix to help prevent an infection developing.
- Elevate your head as you sleep to reduce the blood pressure on your tooth.
- As a short-term solution you can take OTC pain medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Always read the product labels and check official guidance on how to take both of them intermittently to achieve the best short-term pain relief.
Remember, any abnormal oral symptoms such as persistent toothache requires a visit to your dental practice. We can intervene with treatment that will stop your pain and help you to once again enjoy that blissful sleep.
Do emergency dentists remove teeth?
We only extract teeth when absolutely necessary, which is usually only when we see tooth decay beyond the point of repair. If a tooth is heavily decayed, has a massive crack, and/or you have debilitating tooth pain, we will always look to repair the tooth first with a filling, crown, and any other form of appropriate dental practice. If we discover that there is too much damage then we will advise that an extraction of the tooth is the best option for you. We will always discuss this next step with you and we assure you that we only extract teeth after all other possible ways of preserving your tooth have been explored.