13 / 07 / 2023
What would be considered a dental emergency and what to do when you face one?
Updated: Jul 13
What’s that pain in your tooth? What should I do if I have a chipped or broken tooth? Are you experiencing severe tooth sensitivity? These questions and more can help you determine if and when you should contact your emergency dentist in Teddington. It’s true nobody wants to face a dental emergency and as a result, we may not give prior thought to it but it’s important to give consideration to what consists of a dental emergency and exactly what to do when faced with one. On top of that finding a good and reliable place of treatment is essential. Let’s have a look further at exactly what to expect.
Here at Kirby Dental, we know it’s vital to treat any potential dental emergency as urgent and will aim to see you as quickly as possible. While pre-registration may be required we will try to prioritise emergencies accordingly. It’s reassuring to know that your situation is treated with high importance. So what could you consider to be a dental emergency? Well let’s break a few down, and while this is not a definitive list by any means, it does allow you to get a really good idea as to exactly what would be considered an emergency in dental terms.
Broken or Chipped teeth
Especially when coupled with discomfort, severe pain, swelling or even bleeding a broken or chipped tooth would certainly be considered an emergency to your dentist in Teddington and should be addressed urgently. After a thorough description of the pain over the phone with the team here at Kirby Dental will help us to determine if it requires an emergency appointment or not.
Missing teeth, can they be saved
We are not talking about losing a baby tooth here, these are never to be re-inserted and are not cause for alarm. This would not be a dental emergency. However if for any reason you are concerned about your child losing a tooth then you are still more then welcome to get in contact for further advice. If this is an adult tooth that has been knocked out, usually as a result of an injury such as those that occur during contact sports, then being quick to follow the following guidelines could be the key to saving it.
Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root.
Carefully rinse the tooth to remove any dirt, use cold water for no more than 10 seconds.
Now the next step may seem odd but if possible then try to place the tooth back into its original position, but only after you have cleaned it. Now bite down very gently to try and keep the tooth in its place. You won’t really be able to call anyone now, so have some contact our team at Kirby Dental as soon as possible to get you seen by the Emergency dentist in Teddington
If you carefully follow these steps you have a chance of keeping the original tooth.
Following these simple steps may allow your dentist to save your tooth.
Questions worth asking
Here were two areas that might warrant emergency treatment but if you are unsure then ask yourself;
Have you got severe discomfort or pain?
Are you experiencing swelling or tissue damage in your mouth?
Are you bleeding excessively from your mouth?
These are some clear indicators that you may be facing a dental emergency and require urgent treatment.
BACK TO BLOG