Dental Emergencies: When to Seek Urgent Care for Your Teeth?
We’ve all experienced it – a chipped tooth or nagging toothache that causes significant discomfort. Yet, the question lingers: Do we reach out to an emergency dentist or simply wait to discuss it during a check-up appointment? It’s a shared dilemma, where the line between a true dental emergency and a situation that can wait feels blurry at times.
Life can be unpredictable, and dental emergencies can really catch us off guard, leaving us in distress and uncertainty. During these moments, understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency becomes a crucial source of comfort. So, let’s explore which emergencies call for urgent dental care to provide you with the guidance and reassurance you need to pick up the phone and contact your dentist.
Here at The Bristol Dental Practice, we extend our emergency dental services to both registered and non-registered patients in Bristol, ensuring you receive the care you need during your moments of urgency.
Simply give us a call at 0117 910 5929 during opening hours, and we’ll arrange an appointment at the earliest possible time to see one of our experienced clinicians. But, in the meantime, here’s what you should do if a dental emergency strikes:
1) A Persistent Toothache
Few things are as distressing as the persistent throbbing of a toothache. However, when the sensation continues despite taking over-the-counter pain medication for relief, it’s important to recognise this as an emergency.
This discomfort could point to a lurking infection or abscess, underscoring the importance of seeking immediate care to spare you from unnecessary suffering. If you find yourself in this situation, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice for an emergency appointment so that we can assess the source of the pain.
Should your pain remain unbearably intense even after taking painkillers, we strongly advise seeking immediate assistance at a hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
2) A Knocked-Out Tooth
Accidents happen, and a knocked-out tooth can be an incredibly unsettling experience. It’s natural to panic, but in order to save the tooth, time is of the essence. Only by reaching an emergency dentist within the hour do you stand a chance of saving the tooth.
Minimise contact with the tooth, avoid excessive handling and do not attempt to clean it. Instead, place the dislodged tooth in a sealed Tupperware container filled with milk. This protective measure will help preserve the tooth until you attend your emergency appointment.
3) Fractured/Broken Teeth
We understand that a fractured tooth is more than just a cosmetic concern; it can also bring physical discomfort and emotional distress.
The severity of a chipped tooth or fracture will determine whether an emergency appointment is necessary or if a later visit suffices. The recommended course of action is to contact our practice straight after the incident to speak to one of our team members for expert guidance. In the meantime, try to keep the tooth as clean as possible, and if you experience any discomfort, anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can offer relief.
Remember, there’s no need for panic. Whether the damage is minor or substantial, our comprehensive care encompasses everything you need – from bonding and veneers to dental crowns – to restore your smile and confidence.
4) A Missing Filling or Crown
When a filling or crown breaks, it can expose your teeth to vulnerability. The good news is – addressing these issues is incredibly easy, so there’s no need to panic.
While a missing filling or crown may not qualify as urgent dental emergencies, scheduling an appointment with us at your earliest convenience is still important to prevent additional damage and decay.
If you have the filling or crown, keep it safe and bring it to the practice at your appointment. In some instances, it might be possible to rebond your crown, particularly if the underlying tooth remains strong and free from decay.
5) A Broken Veneer
Occasionally, veneers can become loose or even break off. Should this happen, make sure to safeguard the veneer and reach out to our team. For broken veneers, we recommend contacting us promptly to secure an emergency appointment within 48 hours.
6) Painful Swelling
Painful swelling is a key indicator of a tooth infection. Immediate action upon noticing this symptom is essential to prevent the spread of infection and safeguard your natural teeth. While anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can aid in managing painful swelling, it’s equally important to schedule an urgent emergency appointment with us to address the infection through measures such as a root canal.
If the pain and/or swelling is severe, visit a hospital A&E department immediately.
7) Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums serve as an early sign of gum disease. While bleeding gums don’t classify as a dental emergency, it’s essential to address this issue by improving your oral hygiene routine. To see improvement, ensure you’re brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste for a full two minutes. Pay special attention to the areas where the bleeding occurs. Additionally, consider incorporating warm salt water rinses, as they can offer added relief and support.
8) Post-Treatment Pain
After some dental procedures, it’s natural to experience discomfort. That said, if you find yourself grappling with intense pain or swelling that lingers, please reach out to us for help. We’re always here to provide aftercare advice and follow-up appointments to our patients if they’re experiencing pain after treatment. By calling our practice, we’ll be able to give you expert guidance and decide if you need to see one of our clinicians for an emergency appointment.
If the pain and/or swelling is severe, visit a hospital A&E department immediately.
Final Word
In times of pain & uncertainty, understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can alleviate stress and guide you towards timely, appropriate care. Whether you’re grappling with a throbbing toothache, facing a knocked-out tooth, or dealing with unexpected discomfort, it’s important to give your oral health the attention and care it deserves.
Remember, our team at The Bristol Dental Practice is here to support you through every dental situation, from urgent emergencies to routine check-ups. Should you require more guidance or assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.