04 / 10 / 2020
Unsure if you need to see an emergency dentist?5 ways to identify when urgent treatment is needed
When you are woken in the middle of the night by a sharp pain in one of your teeth, you are probably going to call an emergency dental practitioner. After all, pain under a tooth is surely the only indicator of an issue, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, no. Of course, if you are in pain, seek medical attention immediately, but far too often, many dental patients avoid seeking treatment for conditions that are actually classed as emergencies, due to the fact that they are not in discomfort. And sadly, this can lead to more serious secondary issues occurring, which are unfortunately harder to treat.
At Kirby Dental, our dentist in Teddington has set aside specific appointment slots each day to cater to those who have dental emergencies and can make sure that you are able to go about your day pain-free. Using state of the art technology and a bit of tender loving care, we can offer you the highest level of treatment, while improving your long-term oral health. Perfect!
So, what exactly is a dental emergency? Our dentist in Teddington offers the 5 following signs that you may need an urgent dental appointment.
Swelling
Dental swelling is a sure-fire sign that you need to see our dentist in Teddington.
Whether it is uncomfortable or not, swelling in the facial, throat, jaw or chin area could be indicative of an infection, an impacted tooth or something else. Therefore, the moment you notice any sudden or gradually worsening swelling, contact our emergency team as soon as possible!
Sensitivity
OK, so many people have sensitive teeth that hurt when they drink hot or cold drinks.
However, if you notice a sudden change in the sensitivity of one of your teeth, it may suggest that the root of the tooth has suddenly become exposed to the air; often the result of a filling coming loose or a cavity forming.
To prevent secondary complications, such as bacteria gaining access to your tooth’s pulp, call our team for a prompt assessment.
Movement
Is one of the teeth in your mouth moving? Or does it feel like one of your fillings or crowns is a bit wobbly?
A loose filling or crown requires urgent attention for a suitable replacement to be set, but if you notice that your tooth has suddenly started to wobble, this could suggest anything from gum disease to an unerupted tooth pushing on the loose tooth.
Texture change
Have you noticed that part of your gum line feels different when you run your tongue across it? Are there any swellings?
While such changes are typically caused by a temporary lapse in oral hygiene or stress, it is important to report these changes to our team, so we can assess the area for signs of oral cancer. Always better to be safe than sorry!
Chips or cracks
Has your tooth recently been chipped? Is there a crack in the enamel? To prevent bacteria from infiltrating the pulp, make an appointment with our emergency team as soon as possible.
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