Dental emergencies can be unexpected and distressing, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. At Welham Green Dental, we are committed to providing swift and efficient emergency dental care, helping you navigate these stressful situations confidently. This blog will guide you through common dental emergencies, how to handle them, and when to seek professional care.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires immediate attention, but there are certain situations where urgent care is necessary. A dental emergency is any problem involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or prevent infection. Left untreated, some dental emergencies can lead to more severe health complications.
Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and what you should do in each case.
1. Severe Toothache
What Causes It?
Toothaches can result from various issues, including cavities, infections, or tooth injury. Sudden, intense pain often signals a deeper problem that requires immediate attention.
What to Do
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Gently floss to remove any trapped food.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medication, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums as it can cause tissue damage.
- If the pain persists or worsens, contact us for an emergency appointment.
When to Seek Help
A persistent or throbbing toothache that doesn’t improve within a day or two is a sign that you should see a dentist as soon as possible. The issue could be an abscess, infection, or deep cavity that needs professional treatment.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
What Causes It?
Accidents or injuries, such as falls or sports impacts, can lead to a tooth being knocked out completely. This is one of the most urgent dental emergencies because time is of the essence in saving the tooth.
What to Do
- Handle the tooth by the crown (the part you chew with), avoiding the root.
- If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket gently. Hold it in place by biting down on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth.
- If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or saliva. Avoid water, as it can damage the root.
- Contact us immediately for emergency care, as the tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated within an hour.
When to Seek Help
A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency. Call us immediately, and we will do our best to provide treatment as quickly as possible.
3. Cracked or Broken Tooth
What Causes It?
Teeth can crack or break due to a variety of reasons, including biting down on something hard, experiencing trauma to the face, or having untreated cavities that weaken the tooth’s structure.
What to Do
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
- Save any pieces of the broken tooth and bring them with you to your dental appointment.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary, but avoid using the damaged tooth for chewing.
When to Seek Help
If the crack or break is severe, immediate treatment is necessary to prevent infection or further damage. Even minor cracks should be assessed by a dentist to avoid complications.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
What Causes It?
Fillings and crowns can become loose or fall out due to decay, wear and tear, or damage from chewing hard foods.
What to Do
- Keep the area clean by rinsing it with warm water.
- If you can, try to temporarily reattach the crown using dental cement, which is available over the counter at most pharmacies.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth until you can see a dentist.
- Call us to schedule an appointment to repair or replace the filling or crown.
When to Seek Help
A lost filling or crown can expose the inner part of your tooth, leading to sensitivity, pain, and infection. It’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
5. Abscessed Tooth
What Causes It?
An abscessed tooth occurs when a bacterial infection forms a pocket of pus at the root of the tooth. This is a serious condition that can lead to fever, facial swelling, and even the spread of infection to other parts of the body if left untreated.
What to Do
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to help draw the pus to the surface.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
- Avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth.
- Contact us immediately, as an abscess requires urgent dental treatment.
When to Seek Help
An abscess is one of the most serious dental emergencies and should be treated as soon as possible. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, contact us for emergency care.
6. Broken Dentures
What Causes It?
Dentures can break or crack if dropped or exposed to undue pressure. A broken denture can make eating and speaking difficult, requiring urgent repair.
What to Do
- If possible, gather any broken pieces and store them safely until you can get to the dentist.
- Avoid using the broken denture, as it could cause further damage or harm your gums.
- Contact us to schedule an emergency repair or replacement appointment.
When to Seek Help
While a broken denture isn’t life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort. Getting it repaired quickly will allow you to return to normal activities without interruption.
How Welham Green Dental Can Help
At Welham Green Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time and can be incredibly stressful. Our dedicated team is ready to provide fast, effective care to help you manage the situation and restore your oral health. We offer same-day appointments for urgent dental issues, ensuring you get the treatment you need when you need it most.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait—contact us immediately. Our team is here to provide prompt, professional care to relieve your discomfort and prevent further complications.
Contact Us for Emergency Dental Care
- Address: 168 Dixons Hill Rd, Welham Green, Hatfield AL9 7DL
- Phone: 01707 272942
- Website: Welham Green Dental
Whether you have a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken denture, we’re here to help. Call us today and let us take care of your dental emergency so you can get back to feeling your best.
