Emergency Dental Situations and How to Handle Them: Advice from Sevenoaks Dentists

Dental emergencies can occur at any time and in the most unexpected circumstances. The team at Lifetime Dental Studio in Sevenoaks, Kent, is committed to providing prompt and effective solutions for these dental crises. In this post, we will help you identify common emergency dental situations, advise you on immediate steps to take, and guide you on how to get professional help in Sevenoaks.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Firstly, it’s essential to understand what dental situations qualify as emergencies. Common dental emergencies include:

Severe toothache
Broken or cracked tooth
Knocked-out tooth
Lost dental restorations (fillings, crowns)
Abscess or infection
Facial swelling associated with toothache
Handling Dental Emergencies

While each dental emergency requires a unique approach, here are some general steps to follow when you face such situations:

Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles. If the pain persists, contact our Sevenoaks clinic immediately. Avoid placing an aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums as it might burn the gum tissue.

Broken or Cracked Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress on the face to reduce swelling. Keep the broken pieces, if any, and bring them to our clinic.

Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and if possible, try to place it back in its socket. If you can’t, store it in a small container of milk or saliva until you get to our clinic.

Lost Dental Restorations: If a filling or crown is lost, use over-the-counter dental cement as a temporary solution, and contact us to arrange an appointment.

Abscess or Infection: If you notice a painful swelling, it might be an abscess. Rinse your mouth with mild saltwater solution several times a day and reach out to our Sevenoaks clinic immediately.

Seeking Professional Help in Sevenoaks
In Sevenoaks, Lifetime Dental Studio is equipped to handle dental emergencies promptly. Our experienced team understands the urgency and discomfort associated with such situations and strives to provide immediate relief.

Even when it’s not office hours, we recommend reaching out to our clinic to seek advice and possibly arrange for an emergency appointment. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of permanent damage and may require more extensive and expensive procedures later.

Prevention is Better Than Cure
To prevent dental emergencies, maintain good oral hygiene by regular brushing and flossing, have regular check-ups and professional cleanings at our Sevenoaks clinic, and use a mouthguard during sports activities. It’s also crucial to avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects that could crack your teeth.

FAQs
Q1: How quickly should I seek help during a dental emergency?
A: You should reach out to Lifetime Dental Studio in Sevenoaks as soon as possible, especially in cases of severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, or suspected abscess.

Q2: Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
A: Yes, if acted upon promptly. It’s crucial to handle it carefully, avoid touching the root, and keep it moist. Rush to our clinic immediately.

Q3: What can I do to relieve the pain during a dental emergency?
A: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. However, don’t apply it directly to your gums or the aching tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water, and you can apply a cold compress outside the affected area. However, these are temporary solutions, and it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately.

Q4: What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
A: Handle the situation with calm to avoid alarming the child. Rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress if needed. If it’s a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist and get to our clinic promptly.

Q5: How can I avoid dental emergencies?

A: Regular dental check-ups can prevent many emergencies. Additionally, practising good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, using mouthguards during sports, and avoiding chewing on hard objects can significantly reduce the risk of dental emergencies.

In conclusion, knowing how to respond in a dental emergency can mean the difference between losing and saving a tooth. At Lifetime Dental Studio in Sevenoaks, our skilled team is committed to providing quick and effective emergency care. Our advice is to stay calm, take immediate necessary steps, and contact us without delay. Remember, we’re just a call away.