What should you do if you have a sudden toothache in the middle of the night? If it were daytime, you could simply visit your dentist or the ER, and it may take you some time to get emergency assistance from your dentist. So, how can you manage a dental emergency at home? We will learn in this blog. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about emergency dentistry and when to seek emergency care.
What Is Emergency Dentistry?
According to the American Dental Association, a dental emergency comprises any situation that requires immediate intervention to treat life-threatening conditions. These conditions may include situations such as uncontrolled bleeding, trauma, and severe infection or swelling.
What Is The Difference Between A General dentist and an Emergency Dentist?
General and Emergency dentists are both licensed dental professionals. However, they differ in their roles and responsibilities. A general dentist specialises in general dental care and prevention. They perform routine procedures such as teeth cleanings, dental fillings, and simple tooth extractions.
On the other hand, an emergency dentist is a dental professional who has undergone three to four years of additional training after dental school in treating emergency dental situations. Such individuals offer round-the-clock services and treat conditions that require immediate attention. So if someone has an injury to the facial region or if they have a severe, uncontrolled toothache, they should visit an emergency dentist.
What Constitutes A Dental Emergency?
The following situations can be considered a dental emergency:
- A knocked-out tooth
- A fractured or chipped tooth
- A broken orthodontic that impinges on the oral soft tissues, risking injury
- A dislodged crown, bridge or an orthodontic bracket
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe infection or swelling, which compresses the airway
- A tooth abscess with high-grade fever
If you have any of the above conditions, you should book an emergency dentistry appointment
Can I Go To An ER if I Can’t Find An Emergency Dentistry Practice?
It is best to find an emergency dentist near you in case of an emergency. However, if you cannot find one, you should go to the nearest ER for urgent care. The ER will have sufficient facilities to provide emergency care. For example, if you have uncontrolled bleeding, they will find the source and control it. Similarly, if the emergency is due to severe infection, the ER staff will give you IV antibiotics to provide immediate treatment.
You call NHS 111 for assistance if you cannot find a nearby ER. Once the emergency treatment is complete, you can then visit your dentist for routine treatment.
What Should I Do If I Have an Avulsed Tooth?
According to the American Association of Endodontists, over 5 million milk teeth are knocked out every year. But did you know that knocked-out milk teeth can be saved with proper care and timely management?
If a child has a knocked-out milk tooth, they should hold it by the crown (the chewing surface) and rinse it gently with water. Next, a parent should try to re-insert the tooth into its socket by applying gentle pressure. One should avoid excessive force if the tooth cannot be reseated. In such cases, you should immerse the tooth in a tooth-preservation medium and call your dentist for an emergency appointment. If the tooth-preserving medium is not available, you can also use milk. Alternatively, you may place the tooth inside your cheek and keep it bathed with saliva.
The sooner you seek treatment for an avulsed tooth, the higher the chances of successful re-implantation.
What Should I Do If I Have A Dental Injury Or Bleeding?
In case you or a loved one suffers from a dental injury, they should call their dentist and ask for an immediate appointment. However, while you’re waiting, you must take measures to control the bleeding. First, take a clean piece of cloth and gently clean the area. Next, take another roll of the cloth, place it over the area and bite on it with the opposing tooth for some time. This will help apply pressure and temporarily control the bleeding.
What Should I Do If I Have Severe, Uncontrolled Pain In One Of My Teeth?
Severe, uncontrolled bleeding in the teeth can be due to various reasons, such as tooth decay, a dental abscess, or something stuck between the teeth. The first thing to do is rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. This will help remove any dislodged items between your teeth, which is causing pain. If this does not resolve the issue, you may use dental floss to remove the item.
In the case of infection, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller to relieve the pain while you wait to see your dentist. Once you’re at the dentist’s office, they will perform a detailed clinical examination to ascertain the underlying issue and provide appropriate emergency treatment.
How To Find The Best Emergency Dentist Near Me?
If you have recently moved to a new location and are searching for a good emergency dentist’s office, here are a few things you should know. First, select a practice that offers out-of-business-hours emergency care. They should at least have a hotline where patients can call and seek guidance in the case of an emergency. Secondly, you should select a practice that has a 5-star online rating and excellent patient satisfaction scores. Finally, the best emergency dental office is one that offers all emergency dental care services under one roof.
If you’re looking for an emergency dentistry practice in Didcot that has all these attributes, you should consider The Oxford Smile Clinics. Whether you need general dentistry services or emergency dental care, we are there to take care of all your needs. Book a free consultation today!