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5 Unexpected Dental Emergencies You Might Face – Emergency Dentist Liverpool

17 May 2024

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Dental emergencies can happen at any time and often when you least expect them. As an emergency dentist in Liverpool, I’ve seen it all.

From a knocked-out tooth during a friendly football match to a sudden abscess making it impossible to sleep, oral emergencies can be both alarming and painful.

In this post, I’ll walk you through five unexpected dental emergencies you might face. Understanding these can help you react quickly and seek the right care.

Remember, when a dental emergency strikes, Primadent is here to help you get back to your best smile as soon as possible.

5 Unexpected Dental Emergencies and What You Can Do

#1: Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can come on suddenly and be incredibly painful. It might be caused by various issues, such as tooth decay, an infection, or even a cracked tooth.

But when the pain starts coming, there are a few things you can do to help yourself. Let’s quickly run over them.

Home Care

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and clean the area.
• Use dental floss to remove any food particles that might be stuck between your teeth.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to manage the pain.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to numb the area and reduce swelling.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your toothache persists for more than a day, is severe, or is accompanied by a fever, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth, it’s time to seek professional help.

At Primadent, we can diagnose the cause of your toothache and provide the appropriate treatment to relieve your pain and prevent further complications.

#2: Cracked or Broken Tooth

Cracking or breaking a tooth can happen during sports, an accident, or even biting down on something hard. This can cause sharp pain, especially when chewing or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. What can you do?

Home Care

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
• If there is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area and bite down gently until the bleeding stops.
• Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling and pain.
• Cover any sharp edges with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek.

When to Seek Professional Help

You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you have a cracked or broken tooth. Even if the damage seems minor, it can lead to more severe issues if left untreated.

#3: Knocked Out Tooth

Having a tooth knocked out is truly an issue that requires immediate attention. Quick action can often save the tooth and allow it to be re-implanted successfully.

Home Care

• Handle the tooth carefully, touching only the crown (the part usually visible in the mouth), not the root.
• Rinse the tooth gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.
• Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible. If not, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or a saline solution.
• Avoid letting the tooth dry out.

When to Seek Professional Help

This situation requires that you see a dentist immediately. Time is critical – the best chance of saving the tooth is within 30 minutes to an hour.

#4: Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can leave your tooth exposed and vulnerable to damage or infection. You might experience pain or sensitivity to temperature and pressure. When you notice you have lost your filling or crown, just gently clean the area with warm water.

Use over-the-counter dental cement or a piece of sugarless chewing gum to temporarily cover the exposed area until you see an emergency dentist in Liverpool. However, avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth.

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s essential to contact us as soon as possible if you lose a filling or crown. We can provide a permanent solution to protect your tooth from further damage and alleviate any discomfort. We’ll replace your filling or crown and ensure your tooth remains healthy and strong.

#5: Abscess

An abscess is a painful infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and even fever. This is one dental issue you cannot take with levity because it can be life-threatening.

Home Care

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to help reduce the pain and draw out the pus.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage your discomfort.
• Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, as they can exacerbate the pain.

When to Seek An Emergency Dentist in Liverpool

As we already said; an abscess is a serious condition that requires immediate professional attention. If you suspect you have an abscess, contact us right away.

We’ll provide the necessary treatment to eliminate the infection, relieve your pain, and prevent the infection from spreading.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies in the First Place

While it’s crucial to know how to handle emergencies, prevention is always better than cure. Let’s talk about some tips that can help you avoid dental emergencies and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
• Regular Oral Check-Ups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine check-ups and cleanings. Regular visits help catch potential issues early before they become major ones.
• Protect Your Teeth During Sports: Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or engaging in activities where there’s a risk of injury to your mouth. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best protection.
• Avoid Hard Foods and Objects: Be cautious when eating hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candies, which can crack or break your teeth. Also, avoid using your teeth to open packages or chew on non-food items like pens.
• Address Oral Issues Promptly: If you notice any dental problems, such as a toothache, sensitivity, or a chipped tooth, don’t wait to see if it goes away. Early treatment can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one.
• Be Mindful of Your Habits: Avoid habits that can damage your teeth, such as nail-biting, teeth grinding, and chewing on hard objects. If you grind your teeth at night, you may need to ask how a night guard can help.

Need a Reliable Emergency Dentist in Liverpool?

When dental emergencies strike, you need a trusted and reliable dentist who can provide immediate and effective care.

At Primadent, our experienced team is dedicated to offering prompt, compassionate, and professional emergency dental services in Liverpool.

We understand the urgency and discomfort that come with oral emergencies, and we’re here to help you get back to smiling confidently as soon as possible.

Don’t wait – call 01512282226 today for the expert care you deserve.

FAQs About Emergency Dentist in Liverpool

When do most dental emergencies occur?

Most of these situations occur unexpectedly, often during evenings, weekends, or holidays when regular practices may be closed. They can arise from accidents, sports injuries, or sudden tooth pain that becomes unbearable.

Is a black tooth an emergency?

Yes, a black tooth can be an emergency. It may indicate severe decay, trauma, or a dead nerve within the tooth. It’s essential to schedule an emergency appointment immediately to diagnose the cause and prevent further damage or infection.

What is the most common dental emergency?

The most common dental emergency is a severe toothache. Toothaches can be caused by various issues, such as cavities, infections, or abscesses, and often require prompt treatment to alleviate pain and address the underlying problem.

Can an emergency dentist in Liverpool remove a tooth?

Yes, we can remove a tooth if necessary. Whether it’s due to severe decay, infection, or trauma, our dentists are equipped to perform extractions and provide the necessary aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

You can check out this post to learn more about emergency dental care in Liverpool.

Do emergency dentists work on Sundays?

Many of these professionals offer urgent dental treatments on Sundays to accommodate patients who have urgent cases outside regular office hours. At Primadent, we strive to be there for our patients whenever they need us, including weekends.