Importance of Seeing an Emergency Dentist in London

04 Mar 2024

Dental problems can arise unexpectedly, occurring at any time and in any place. The need for an emergency dentist in London becomes crucial due to common issues such as dental trauma, oral abscesses, and severe toothaches. These conditions often require immediate attention, prompting individuals to seek an emergency appointment. Unlike routine dental appointments, which are scheduled for preventive care and oral health maintenance, an emergency appointment is an important and unplanned necessity that may occur outside of regular dental practice hours. Its primary goal is to provide urgent pain relief and address serious dental problems promptly.

Whether you're dealing with a sudden, intolerable toothache or the complexities of an oral abscess, patients can find comfort in knowing that emergency dental services are just a call away. These services are dedicated to restoring the comfort and health of your teeth and smile, providing prompt relief and treatment when you need it most.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation requiring immediate dental treatment to alleviate extreme pain, control bleeding, or address severe infections such as an abscess. This includes incidents such as a broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or an unbearable toothache indicating an underlying issue that cannot wait for a regular dental appointment.

What is an emergency dental visit?

An emergency dental visit is a trip to your dentist when you are experiencing extreme toothache and cannot wait until your next appointment. Most emergency dentists in London are available to treat patients who suffer from sudden pain and other dental-related problems outside regular hours.

Common symptoms that necessitate an emergency dental visit include extreme pain, facial swelling, persistent bad breath, and excessive bleeding, all of which may result from a damaged or infected tooth. It is crucial to see an emergency dentist in London promptly to prevent further discomfort and serious health concerns.

Dental emergencies versus routine appointments

The distinction between dental emergencies and regular oral care appointments is essential. Emergency dental appointments are for immediate problems like severe pain or trauma. They are scheduled as soon as possible to focus on resolving specific problems. On the other hand, routine dental appointments are for preventive care and general oral health maintenance. They can be scheduled in advance for cleanings, check-ups, and minor problems.

Why do dental emergencies occur?

Dental emergencies can occur for several reasons, including accidents that cause oral trauma, infected teeth resulting in extreme dental pain, or gum infections. Neglecting your oral health can also lead to emergencies, as untreated minor problems may escalate into serious conditions requiring urgent treatment.

Causes for emergency dental visit in London

Toothache

Toothache is the extreme discomfort or pain experienced in or around a tooth. It may occur due to various causes, including dental decay, a tooth abscess, trauma, or gum disease. It is essential to see an emergency dentist at our clinic immediately for a toothache when the pain becomes severe, unbearable, and sudden. This could be a sign of an underlying issue such as an abscess or a significant infection requiring immediate attention. When toothache gets accompanied with fever, facial swelling or other symptoms, seeking emergency dental care is necessary to avoid further complications and receive prompt pain relief and treatment.

Manage Pain

While you are waiting to see an emergency dentist for tooth pain, you can take necessary steps to deal with the discomfort. Some over-the-counter pain relievers include paracetamol or ibuprofen along with the application of a cold compress to reduce inflammation. Rinsing with saltwater can provide relief, and over-the-counter gels with benzocaine may help numb the affected area. Avoid eating hard foods for the time being to lessen the pain. It can also be beneficial to elevate your head while sleeping and stay hydrated. These temporary measures can promptly address the underlying issue causing the pain.

Swelling

Swelling indicates inflammation or infection in the affected tooth or surrounding tissues. It can occur due to several factors, including dental abscess, tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma. Swelling is a sign that your body is reacting to the infection or irritation. It is important to seek proper dental care when you experience swelling with a toothache, as it may require treatment such as antibiotics, tooth extraction, or a root canal. Addressing the underlying issue can help ease the pain. When you ignore the swelling, this can lead to serious dental problems.

Abscesses

A dental abscess is typically characterised by facial swelling, a throbbing toothache, and fever, resulting from a bacterial infection that forms a painful pus-filled pocket around or within a tooth. When a dental abscess is present, it is crucial to seek immediate dental care through an appointment. During the visit, the dentist diagnoses the abscess with a thorough examination, X-rays, and may drain the pus to alleviate the pain. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infection and prevent its spread. Depending on the severity of the abscess, the dentist may recommend a root canal to save the tooth or extraction if the tooth cannot be cured. Proper dental care is necessary, as untreated abscesses may be the reason for serious complications and spread of further infection.

How will you know if you need a dental emergency appointment?

If you are experiencing any signs of extreme oral distress, such as a broken crown, excessive bleeding, or intense tooth or gum pain, it is vital to seek a dental emergency appointment. Dentists recommend seeking immediate attention if the oral pain is severe or if a crown is damaged or lost, to avoid further complications.

Can dentists save a knocked-out tooth?

Yes, dentists can save a knocked-out tooth if you seek a dental emergency appointment. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket or keep it moist by placing it in milk until you visit the dentist. The sooner you can get to the dentist, the better your chances of saving the tooth will be.

What treatments can you expect after wisdom tooth extraction?

After the extraction of a wisdom tooth, the treatment you may expect includes managing pain and possibly the placement of dental crowns. If other teeth are affected, you may need guidance on caring for your gums to prevent gum infection. Follow-up appointments will ensure complete healing and detect any complications, such as an infected tooth or loose teeth.

What you can expect during an emergency dental appointment

Dealing with a dental emergency can be quite stressful, but knowing what to expect can lessen your worries and prepare you for the visit. Here’s what to expect during an emergency dental appointment:

Call your dentist at the emergency number

If the emergency occurs outside of office hours, you should call the emergency number to contact your dentist. They will ask you about your oral problem and may request that you meet them at the dental practice.

Conduct thorough examination and proper diagnosis

The dentist will review your medical records, conduct an examination, and take X-rays of your problematic tooth. They will use this information to make a proper diagnosis before starting treatment.

Prepare for the treatment process

The dentist will explain what will happen during the treatment, what you can expect in terms of recovery time, and any follow-up care that may be necessary. They will also answer any questions you have to ensure you feel comfortable about the procedure.

Anaesthetic application

Your dentist will apply an anaesthetic to numb the tooth and ensure you do not feel any discomfort during the treatment. If you are experiencing extreme pain, the dentist may offer medication to alleviate the pain. This may involve administering local anaesthesia or prescribing painkillers to manage the discomfort.

Treatment to manage pain

If you are suffering from extreme pain, the dentist will provide pain relief medication immediately. This may involve administering local anaesthesia or prescribing painkillers to address the discomfort and pain.

Proper medication

Based on your medical history and the type of emergency, the dentist will prescribe medication. They may prescribe painkillers for pain management after the treatment. If there is a serious infection, they may prescribe medication to fight the infection.

Aftercare and follow-up

The dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to check on your treatment progress and ensure the problem is completely resolved. They will provide you with necessary instructions on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home to avoid further problems.

When you experience a dental emergency, it is necessary to undergo treatment quickly. Delaying the treatment process may worsen the problem and increase the risk of further complications.

Recovery tips and post-treatment instructions to care for your teeth

Experiencing an oral emergency can be a painful situation. Whether it is a knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, or extreme toothache, it is important to seek immediate dental care. Proper post-treatment care is crucial for your quick recovery and to maintain oral health. We provide you with recovery tips and post-treatment instructions to care for your teeth after a dental emergency.

Follow the instructions of dentist

After receiving emergency dental treatment, the dentist provides post-treatment instructions customized to your specific situation. It is important to follow these instructions diligently. They may include recommendations for taking medicines, guidelines for maintaining dental hygiene, and dietary restrictions.

Deal with discomfort and pain

Dental emergencies can cause extreme discomfort and pain. If the dentist suggests taking pain medication, take it as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to lessen mild to moderate pain. You can also temporarily numb the area with a cold compress applied to the affected area. Consult with your dentist before taking any medication, especially if you have any medical conditions or are allergic to certain drugs.

Lessen the bleeding and swelling

There are certain dental emergencies where bleeding and swelling may occur. To control bleeding, rinse your mouth with cold water and apply a gauze or a clean cloth to the affected area with gentle pressure. If the bleeding persists or seems severe, contact your dentist immediately. You can reduce swelling by applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth. Apply the ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours during an emergency.

Eat a balanced diet

During the recovery period, it is important to choose your diet wisely. Stick to easy-to-chew and soft foods that will not cause further damage to your teeth. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may dislodge temporary restorations or fillings. Choose nutrient-rich options such as mashed vegetables, soups, yogurt, and smoothies. Also, avoid consuming hot or cold foods and beverages if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity.

Do not consume alcohol and say no to cigarettes

You should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during the recovery period, as these habits may slow down the healing process. Smoking also increases the chances of developing further infection and a painful condition called dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the area where your tooth was removed does not heal properly.

Maintain good dental hygiene habits

Proper oral hygiene is necessary for quick and successful recovery. Be careful when brushing and flossing around the treated area to prevent any irritation to the affected teeth or gums. Use a mouthwash as recommended by your dentist or avoid certain products for a specific time period. Talk to your dentist for further guidance.

Take a break from strenuous activities

Strenuous activity can increase blood pressure, potentially leading to further complications after surgery. During the first few days following surgery, avoid strenuous activities such as playing sports or heavy lifting. Your dentist will provide guidance on which physical activities you can resume and when it is safe to do so.

Detect any signs of complications

If you have any concerns, feel free to contact your dentist without delay. If you experience extreme pain that interferes with your sleep, or if you notice unusual discoloration around the surgical area, it is important to see a dentist immediately. At Emergency Dentist in London, we offer 24-hour emergency dental treatment to address your concerns and ensure the health of your teeth and mouth.

You can easily find an emergency dentist near you by typing "emergency dentist near me" into the Google search box. This quick search will help you locate a dental professional who can address your emergency dental problems as soon as possible.