Emergency Dentist: What to Do in a Dental Crisis
Dental emergencies can be frightening and often painful. Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can make a significant difference in the outcome. If you're in Brighton, Brighton East, Hampton, or the surrounding areas and experience a dental crisis, Brighton Dental Group is here to help. While we always encourage preventative care through regular check-ups with your Brighton dentist, we understand that emergencies can still occur. Here's what you should do in a dental crisis and how to find an emergency dentist near you.
Recognising a Dental Emergency:
It's important to know what constitutes a dental emergency. Some common examples include:
Severe toothache: Pain that is unbearable and doesn't subside with over-the-counter medication.
Knocked-out tooth: This requires immediate attention for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Dislodged or loose tooth: A tooth that has been significantly moved or feels very loose.
Fractured or broken tooth: Especially if it's causing pain or bleeding.
Lost filling or crown with pain: If the exposed tooth is sensitive or causing discomfort.
Severe bleeding from the mouth: That doesn't stop with gentle pressure.
Swelling in the mouth or face: This could indicate an infection.
Abscess: A painful, pus-filled swelling in the gums.
Foreign object lodged in the teeth or gums: That you can't remove yourself.
Immediate Steps to Take in a Dental Emergency:
Your immediate actions can significantly impact the outcome of the situation. Here's what you should do:
Stay Calm: Panicking can make the situation worse. Try to remain as calm as possible.
For a Knocked-Out Tooth:
Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
Gently rinse the tooth with milk or saline solution to remove any debris. Do not scrub it.
Try to reinsert the tooth gently back into its socket. If it doesn't go in easily, keep it moist in a container of milk, saline solution, or even your own saliva.
Seek immediate dental attention from your Brighton dentist. Time is crucial for saving a knocked-out tooth.
For a Fractured or Broken Tooth:
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek to reduce swelling.
Save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to your dentist.
Contact your Brighton dentist as soon as possible.
For a Severe Toothache:
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Gently floss to remove any food particles that might be trapped.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek.
Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly on your gums, as this can cause irritation.
Contact your Brighton dentist to schedule an emergency appointment.
For Bleeding in the Mouth:
Apply gentle but firm pressure to the bleeding area with a clean gauze or cloth for 15-20 minutes.
If the bleeding doesn't stop, seek immediate dental or medical attention.
For a Lost Filling or Crown with Pain:
If possible, try to temporarily cover the exposed area with dental wax or sugarless chewing gum to protect it.
Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Contact your Brighton dentist to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.
For Swelling or an Abscess:
Apply a cold compress to the affected area.
Contact your Brighton dentist immediately, as this could indicate a serious infection.
Finding an Emergency Dentist in Brighton:
If you experience a dental emergency in Brighton, Brighton East, or Hampton, Brighton Dental Group, located on New Street, is here to provide prompt and effective care. We understand that these situations require immediate attention, and we will do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible.
If you are a new patient in need of urgent dental care, please don't hesitate to call us. While routine appointments are best for preventative care, we are also here for you during those unexpected dental crises. Searching for a "dentist near me" in an emergency can be stressful, so remember our location in Brighton is easily accessible.
Prevention is Key:
While we are here to help during emergencies, remember that regular check-ups with your local dentist are the best way to prevent many dental crises from occurring in the first place. Consistent care helps us identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
If you experience a dental emergency in Brighton, don't hesitate to contact Brighton Dental Group. We are committed to providing timely and effective care to help you get back to smiling comfortably.