The top 5 most commonly treated dental emergencies in the UK
If questioned on what level of care is required for a person who has just fallen off a roof, there is no question in anyone’s mind that they will need emergency treatment at the local hospital; it is just common sense.
Yet, when it comes to dental issues, very few people are aware of what actually constitutes a dental emergency and many delay getting treatments which could relieve the discomfort sooner.
While dental emergencies have been decreasing in recent years, it is important to know when you need to see an emergency dentist in Soho, London.
Though pain is a somewhat subjective measure of an emergency, there are some conditions that need attending to regardless of the discomfort level.
Here is a list of oral emergencies treated by dentists in London and tips on how to manage them until you see your dental team.
Toothache
An unrelenting, throbbing pain that is keeping you awake and inhibiting your ability to function requires a trip to your dental surgery as soon as possible.
In the meantime, take an over the counter painkiller and gently wash your mouth out with lukewarm water to dislodge any trapped food or debris. If your face is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
Broken or chipped tooth
More common in children, a broken tooth requires an emergency dental appointment, even if you aren’t experiencing any discomfort.
If possible, keep the broken pieces of your tooth (or teeth) and is there is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze for around 10 minutes. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water and if in severe pain, take pain relief.
Lost filling or crown
A very common occurrence but one that needs prompt attention from a dental professional, you need to think fast to prevent discomfort.
There are over the counter dental cement kits which can temporarily replace a lost filling and in the event of a lost crown, try gently applying a little clove oil and use some dental cement to temporarily reattach the crown to the tooth until your dental visit.
Broken braces or wires
If you find your brace has snapped and is protruding, call your dental surgery as soon as possible.
In the interim, try to push the wire into a more comfortable position with a pencil rubber or use a piece of orthodontic wax. Never attempt to cut the wires yourself, as you may swallow them or breathe them in.
Abscess
When you have an abscess, you will know; your face will swell, you will be in immense discomfort and you will not be able to function.
Book an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible. If left untreated, an abscess can be life threatening as it is an infection of the nerve pulp that can spread.
It will often require a course of antibiotics to treat it alongside either a root canal, filling or extraction.
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