Ouch! All of a sudden you’ve got severe dental pain. You may have cracked or lost a tooth, or you may have an abscess. Whatever the problem, you probably don’t want to wait around for your next routine checkup with your dentist. You need to deal with it quickly.
When most people are ill, they call the doctor and try to get an appointment straight away. Often, this sense of urgency doesn’t extend to dental care. But in some cases, it should.
Dental emergencies happen, but what exactly are they and in what circumstances should you try and see your dentist ASAP?
Here’s everything you need to know about dental emergencies.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Before rushing in to see us, you’ll need to know if you’re facing a dental emergency or a problem that can wait.
In some situations, it’s immediately obvious that you need to get in to see us straight away. You may have had an accident and lost or severely damaged your teeth.
But if you’ve got swelling or pain, does this warrant an emergency appointment? – The answer is that it might. There are certainly times when it’s vital to seek swift dental assistance as it could prevent future problems. If you’re in doubt, call us on 075 5212 2722 and we’ll advise you on the best action to take.
What To Do With a Missing Tooth
If a tooth has completely fallen out, there may be a chance we can save it. Call us right away, and we’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible.
Carefully wash the tooth under a tap and rinse your mouth out with water. If possible, try and pop the tooth back into place in your mouth and bite down on a cloth until your appointment. If this doesn’t work, put the tooth in a glass of milk and bring it with you when you see us.
What To Do With a Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth isn’t always an emergency; however, if there are sharp edges it could harm your mouth. Give your mouth a rinse with warm water. If you’re in pain, a cold compress on the side of your mouth where the broken tooth is can help.
Once you’ve done this, call us to make an appointment.
What To Do If You Have an Abscess
Abscesses are a cause for concern and you should call us to get an appointment as soon as you notice it. Abscesses can cause tenderness in your lymph nodes, make your face swell, and lead to fever. Left untreated, abscesses spread.
While you wait to see us, avoid eating or drinking anything that’s hot. If you need to brush your teeth, use a soft toothbrush and don’t floss in the affected area. If possible, avoid painkillers or numbing gels until we see you.
Just before your appointment, you should rinse your mouth using warm salt water to help bring the pus to the surface.
Emergency Dentistry At Smile More
If you’re facing a dental emergency or are worried about a problem that you think needs addressing quickly, get in touch by calling 075 5212 2722.
