Dental pain is a very common thing that almost everyone had faced at some point of the time or other. It all starts with a small tingling pain, gradually developing into a throbbing one. Unless treated on time, it can lead to severe issues like headaches, sleeplessness and disruption of all your normal daily activities.
Dental emergencies are not similar to other medical emergencies; hence, it is crucial to know about it, along with the treatment measures. Read on this blog until the end to clarify the common doubts about dental emergencies and know when to visit a private dentist if such a situation strikes.
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
If you are in pain, the first thing you must determine is the source of the problem. Now, it is not possible every time to understand the depth of the situation through naked eyes or discomforting sensations. For your ease of understanding, we hereby define dental emergencies.
A dental emergency is a critical situation pertaining to your teeth and associated tissues, often associated with the following symptoms:
- Severe dental pain – If it is a pain that does not resolve on its own with time, you must consider it as a dental emergency.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding from the teeth or gums– Excessive bleeding from the mouth is a confirmed case of dental emergency. You can visit any of your locally available private emergency dentists in London to seek immediate care and treatment.
- Knocked-out tooth– Accidental injury or impact to the mouth can initiate a dental emergency in the form of knocked-out tooth. The earlier you can visit an emergency dentist, the higher are the chances of saving the affected tooth.
- Dental infection – If there is an abscess in the mouth, it becomes a portal for bacterial invasions that can potentially be life-threatening. Hence, you must treat such cases as dental emergencies. Besides, if you experience swelling around the jaw or gums, do not delay any longer.
When is not considered a dental emergency?
Here is a list of some common situations that do not fall under the category of dental emergencies.
- Chipped tooth – A cracked or chipped tooth is never considered as a dental emergency until sharp fragments have formed or you are undergoing severe pain.
- A missing crown or filling – This is also not an emergency dental case, however, most dentists in London prioritise it and suggest prompt treatment.
What to do when subjected to a dental emergency?
Besides being painful, dental emergencies can be frustrating to the core. While you wait for treatment, taking some effective steps to manage your oral health for the time being can help a lot. Here are some tips for you:
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
First, rinse your mouth carefully with lukewarm water. Then, you can apply a cold compress outside the cheeks over the affected site (if there is any pain).
Abscessed Tooth
Dental abscesses can be a serious and life-threatening condition. It is a collecting area for infected pus and can cause high fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and face. Even more, you can see a visible ‘bump’ close to the site of the infected tooth, associated with pain.
While you wait for the emergency dental professional to intervene your case, you must follow certain guidelines. Avoid extremely hot and cold foods (or drinks), brush your teeth gently so as to not hurt the affected site, etc. Also, do not floss until the abscess has been treated and use any painkiller or numbing gel.
(Note: Just before the appointment, carefully swish some warm salt water into your mouth – this will draw the pus up to the surface.) An Abscess can be extremely painful and you should avoid painkillers such as numbing gel prior to your emergency appointment.
Knocked-Out Tooth
In cases of a knocked-out tooth, you must clean the region under running water, while being careful not to touch the root. If possible, place the tooth back into its place, and if not, put the tooth into a cup of milk. It will help maintain the required pH of the tooth, while preventing harmful microbes from harbouring there.
What to expect from an emergency dentist appointment?
Once you are sure that you have a dental emergency, contact your local emergency dental clinic. Explain your problem clearly to the presiding staff, and he will forward the information to your concerned professional.
Depending on the severity of your issue, the emergency dentist will examine your whole mouth to track the root cause. He can also employ dental X-rays and 3D imaging techniques for a detailed analysis. In some scenarios, invasive procedures may also be suggested, for example, a tooth extraction. However, mostly, the dentists go for medicine administration and non-invasive techniques (primarily the restorative ones)
Here are a few explanations regarding the common procedures that an emergency dentist incorporates:
- Root Canal – Beneficial for treating dental abscesses and deeper infections. RCT involves cleaning of the innermost infected pulp, followed by filling and sealing.
- Incision and Drainage – This involves making a small incision in the tooth and draining the infected pus. It is often used as a temporary solution, necessitating further treatment procedures down the line.
Should I go to A&E for addressing dental emergencies?
No, the A&E department is only for genuine and fatal medical conditions. However, if you have faced a serious accident or injury over the face or mouth, and profusely bleeding, you can contact the A&E.
Can I dial up at 111 for emergency dental treatment?
If you are not sure whether you are having a dental emergency or something else, feel free to call the NHS helpline no. 111. The presiding staff behind the phone can forward your information to an emergency dentist and help you book a consultation immediately.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies can be pretty challenging and confusing. However, with the right knowledge and approach, it is possible to handle the situation smartly. Most private emergency dentists in London offer a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere to patients, helping resolve their issues at the earliest. Book your consultation at your nearest private dental clinic for more detailed insights and preserve your smile for a lifetime. If you’re seeking expert care, you can consult Dr. Andreia Phipps, dentist at South Kensington MD, for trusted and professional dental emergency treatment.
