Dental emergencies can happen at any time, when you are not expecting them. A chipped tooth, lost crown, or sudden toothache are just some examples of dental issues that may require urgent dental care and attention. But how do you know if your specific dental problem is considered an emergency that warrants a next-day or same-day emergency dentist appointment? This article will provide an overview of what is typically classified as urgent dental care in London. Keep reading to learn more.
Defining Urgent Dental Problems
Urgent dental care refers to serious dental issues that require immediate attention from a dentist within 24-48 hours. If left untreated, these dental emergencies have the potential to cause long-term problems or result in the loss of teeth. Situations that typically require urgent dental treatment in London include:
- Severe toothaches or dental pain that is throbbing, constant, and not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications
- Significant tooth fractures, chipped teeth, or cracks that expose nerve tissue
- Loose permanent teeth or dental restorations
- Heavy bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Facial swelling around the mouth, jaw, or cheeks
- Trauma to the face, teeth, or mouth after an accident or injury
The common thread between all these issues is that they indicate damage to the teeth, gums, or bone structures and need a dentist’s expertise before they get worse. Leaving urgent dental problems unchecked can allow infections to set in or the tooth’s condition to deteriorate Wellness Wisdom Worldwide.
Assessing the Severity
How can you determine if your specific dental symptoms require emergency dental treatment? Here are a few key questions to ask yourself:
- Is the pain severe, throbbing, and impossible to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers?
- Is the pain or symptoms disrupting your daily life and keeping you up at night?
- Have you experienced facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won’t cease?
- Have you experienced dental trauma from a sports injury, fall, or accident?
- Do you suspect you have a dental abscess, infection, or advanced tooth decay?
If you answered yes to any of the above, these are signs you likely need to be seen urgently by an emergency dentist within 1-2 days. The key is to not “wait and see” when you notice serious symptoms. This can allow the problem to become much worse.
Seeking Urgent Dental Care
In London, you have couple options if you are experiencing a dental emergency requiring prompt care. These include:
Visiting an Urgent Dental Care Clinic
Several urgent dental care clinics operate in London offering emergency dental treatment seven days a week without an appointment. These clinics have dentists available to treat serious issues like lost fillings, chipped teeth, mouth injuries, and more. Expect to provide your medical history and answer questions about your symptoms.
Contacting Your Regular Dentist
Many local dentists also reserve time in their schedules each day for urgent dental visits. As an established patient, your own dentist may be able to see faster than a clinic. Explain your symptoms to the office staff to find out if they advise coming in right away or offer advice if they cannot see you immediately. They may also be able to prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers.
Visiting a Hospital Emergency Room
In extreme, life-threatening situations, you can visit your nearest A&E. Examples include excessive bleeding from the mouth, trouble breathing or swallowing, facial trauma from an accident, or swelling/infection spreading to your eye or neck. The hospital can provide emergency care to help stabilize the issue before you follow up with a dentist.
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No matter where you seek treatment for an urgent dental problem, the priority is being evaluated quickly before it worsens. In London, same-day or next-day appointments are almost always available, including weekends. Seeking prompt care from skilled dental professionals can help resolve many dental emergencies and save damaged teeth.
Causes of Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can seem to occur suddenly, they are often caused by underlying oral health issues that have gone untreated. Some causes of urgent dental problems include:
- Tooth decay and cavities that have advanced allowing infection to set in
- Cracks or fractures in teeth and dental work resulting from grinding or chewing on hard objects
- Gum disease that has loosened teeth over time and weakened support structures
- Previous dental treatments like root canals, crowns, and bridges that have failed
Catching up on dental exams and addressing issues early on can help avoid medical emergencies. However, accidents and unforeseen problems can still happen despite proper oral care.
Seeking Follow-Up Care
The urgent dental care you receive during an emergency is focused on addressing symptoms and stopping immediate issues. However additional treatment is often needed in the following days or weeks to restore form and function. After being seen urgently, you’ll need follow-up care such as:
- Root canals to save injured teeth
- Crown or veneer placement to restore damaged teeth
- Dental implant surgery for missing teeth
- Antibiotics and pain medication to treat infections
- Tooth extraction and bone grafting procedures if teeth cannot be salvaged
Be prepared to invest both time and money into restorative dentistry after the initial urgency subsides. Partner with your dentist to determine the optimal long-term treatment plan based on your needs.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While accidents happen, there are proactive ways to reduce your risk of urgent dental issues:
- Maintain good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings
- Avoid behaviors that damage teeth like chewing ice or hard candies
- Wear custom mouthguards during contact sports
- Limit sugary and acidic drinks that promote decay
- Quit smoking tobacco products
Practicing these daily prevention habits makes a big difference for both your dental and overall wellbeing. They can help you steer clear of dental urgent care clinics and emergency rooms.
Conclusion
Urgent situations should not be taken lightly when it comes to oral health. Issues like severe tooth pain, facial swelling, trauma to the mouth, or excessive bleeding qualify as dental emergencies needing immediate attention. In London, urgent care clinics, emergency rooms, and established dentists can all provide same-day treatment. Reach out Emergency Dentist London Clinic for urgent help to prevent long-lasting dental consequences.
