What Is a Dental Emergency? When Should You See a Dentist?
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Dental problems do not always happen at a convenient time. A sudden toothache, broken tooth or swelling can be painful and worrying. But how do you know when you need urgent dental care?
Knowing the signs of a dental emergency can help you get the right treatment at the right time.
At Larkham House Dental Practice in Plymouth, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful. Prompt treatment can help relieve pain, prevent complications and protect your oral health.
A dental emergency is a problem that needs prompt assessment by a dentist.
This could be severe dental pain, swelling, bleeding or damage to a tooth. Some dental emergencies can become more serious if they are left untreated.
You should not always wait for your next routine dental appointment if you develop sudden or severe symptoms.
If you are unsure whether your problem is an emergency, contact your dental practice for advice.
Severe or persistent toothache can be a sign that something is wrong inside or around the tooth.
Tooth pain can have several causes. These include tooth decay, infection, a cracked tooth or problems with the dental pulp.
Pain that keeps you awake, affects your daily activities or becomes increasingly severe should be assessed by a dentist.
In some cases, root canal treatment may be recommended to treat an infected tooth and help save it. Larkham House provides root canal treatment for teeth affected by infection.
A tooth that has been completely knocked out needs urgent attention.
If possible, handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root. Do not scrub the tooth.
If it is safe to do so, try to keep the tooth moist while seeking urgent dental advice.
Time is important, particularly when a permanent tooth has been knocked out.
A tooth can break or crack after an accident, biting something hard or because it has already been weakened.
A small chip may not always require emergency treatment. However, a large break, severe pain or damage to the inside of the tooth should be assessed promptly.
Do not ignore a broken tooth simply because the pain settles. A damaged tooth can be vulnerable to further damage and infection.
A dental abscess is an infection that can cause pain, swelling and tenderness.
You may notice swelling around the tooth, gum or face. You may also experience a bad taste, fever or difficulty eating.
A dental abscess needs professional dental assessment.
Do not try to squeeze or drain an abscess yourself. Dental infections can spread and may require urgent treatment.
You should seek urgent dental advice if you have:
If you are experiencing significant dental pain, do not feel that you have to simply put up with it.
Early assessment can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
While waiting to see a dentist, there are a few simple steps you can take.
Keep the area as clean as possible. Brush gently around the affected area.
Avoid very hot, cold, hard or sugary foods if they make your symptoms worse.
If you have swelling, a cold compress on the outside of your face may help reduce discomfort.
Do not place aspirin directly onto your tooth or gums. This can damage the soft tissues.
If you have been advised to take pain relief, always follow the instructions on the packaging or advice given by a healthcare professional.
Some dental problems need more than an urgent dental appointment.
Seek emergency medical help if you have severe swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing. You should also seek urgent medical attention if you have significant facial swelling or feel seriously unwell.
If you are unsure, it is always safer to seek professional advice.
At Larkham House Dental Practice in Plymouth, we offer emergency dental appointments for patients who need urgent care.
Our current fees include emergency appointments for both registered and non-registered patients, although additional treatment may be required depending on the problem.
Our team will assess your symptoms and explain your treatment options.
Depending on the cause of your problem, treatment may include a filling, extraction, root canal treatment or another appropriate procedure.
Larkham House also provides advanced dental treatments under one roof, including oral surgery, complex tooth extractions and endodontics.
Severe or persistent toothache should be assessed by a dentist. It can be caused by infection, decay, a cracked tooth or other dental problems.
If your pain is severe, worsening or affecting your daily life, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
A dental abscess requires professional assessment and treatment. Even if the pain temporarily improves, the underlying infection may still be present.
Do not ignore swelling or other signs of infection.
Seek urgent dental advice. Handle the tooth carefully by the crown and avoid touching the root.
If possible, keep the tooth moist while you arrange urgent dental care.
Dental pain is your body’s way of telling you that something may be wrong.
Not every dental problem requires emergency treatment. However, severe pain, swelling, infection or significant damage should never be ignored.
Getting prompt advice can give you peace of mind and may help prevent a small problem from becoming more complicated.
If you need an emergency dentist in Plymouth, contact Larkham House Dental Practice for advice and to arrange an appointment.
Larkham House Dental Practice
49 Larkham Lane, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 4PH
01752 343 140
Our team is here to help when you need urgent dental care.
