When should you visit an emergency dentist?

Dental emergencies

So, how do you know if your dental issue is an emergency that requires immediate attention, or if it can wait for a regular appointment? It’s a common query and according to the BMJ, almost a third of adults in the UK only seek dental care when they have acute problems. Here are the key situations that we believe warrant a call to us as an emergency dentist:

1. Severe or unbearable toothache: A persistent, throbbing toothache that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers is a classic sign of a dental emergency. This kind of pain can indicate an infection, abscess, or deep decay that needs urgent professional intervention to prevent it from spreading or worsening. Don’t try to tough it out – severe pain is your body’s way of telling you something is seriously wrong.
2. Swelling around the face or gums: Any sudden or significant swelling in your gums, face, or jaw can be a sign of a serious infection, such as an abscess. This type of infection can spread rapidly and potentially affect your overall health if not treated promptly. If you notice swelling, especially if accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing, seek emergency dental care immediately.
3. Knocked-out tooth (Avulsed tooth): This is a true dental emergency where time is of the essence! If a tooth has been completely knocked out due to an injury, there’s a good chance it can be saved if you act quickly. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the part you see in your mouth), avoid touching the root, and if possible, try to reinsert it gently into its socket. If not, store it in a container of milk or your own saliva and get to an emergency dentist within 30-60 minutes. The faster you get to us, the higher the chance of successful re-implantation.
4. Chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth: While a small chip might not always be an emergency, a larger crack or fracture that causes pain, sensitivity, or has exposed the inner pulp of the tooth definitely is. These injuries can lead to infection or further breakage if not addressed quickly.
5. Lost filling or crown causing pain/sensitivity: If you lose a filling or crown and it results in significant pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or leaves a sharp edge that’s irritating your tongue or cheek, it’s considered an emergency. The exposed tooth structure is vulnerable to decay and infection.
6. Bleeding that won’t stop: Minor bleeding after flossing or brushing is usually not a concern, but continuous, uncontrolled bleeding from your gums or mouth after an injury or extraction is an emergency. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and seek immediate dental attention.
7. Abscess: An abscess is a pus-filled pocket caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. It can be very painful and cause swelling. An untreated abscess can lead to serious health complications, so it requires urgent care.

A calming approach for anxious patients

We understand that visiting the dentist can be a source of anxiety for many. That’s why we’ve created a welcoming and supportive environment where nervous patients can feel completely at ease. Our dedicated team is committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible, offering a range of gentle techniques and sedation options tailored to your needs.

To help you relax, we provide:

• IV sedation: For a deeper state of relaxation, allowing you to drift through your appointment.
• Inhalation sedation: A mild and effective way to ease nerves quickly.
• Oral sedation: A pill taken before your appointment to help you feel calm and drowsy.
• Painless dental injections: Using advanced techniques to ensure injections are virtually imperceptible.
• Minimally invasive dentistry: Gentle approaches that preserve more of your natural tooth structure, often leading to less discomfort.

Your comfort is key, and we’re here to help you get dental care without worry. Your dental health is our top priority!