As an emergency dentist Bournemouth, Queens Park Dental Team, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming for patients. They can range from toothaches and abscesses to broken teeth and lost fillings, and they often require immediate attention to prevent further damage and discomfort. So what constitutes a dental emergency? We describe the most common dental emergencies and provide guidance on how to respond and prevent them.

Definition of a dental emergency

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate dental care to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, or preserve oral health. Some examples of dental emergencies include:

• severe toothache that cannot be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication
• an abscess (a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth or gum)
• a knocked-out tooth
• a broken or chipped tooth
• a lost filling or crown
• an object stuck between teeth

Common dental emergencies and their symptoms

Toothache

A toothache is a common dental emergency that can be caused by a wide variety of factors, the most common is tooth decay, but cracked teeth, or gum disease are a close second. Symptoms of a toothache include pain while biting down or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and swelling around the tooth.

Abscess

An abscess is a painful infection that occurs around the tooth or gum. Symptoms include severe toothache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and redness or swelling in the gums.

Knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Symptoms include a missing tooth and bleeding in the mouth.

A broken or chipped tooth can be caused by trauma or biting on hard objects. Symptoms include pain, sensitivity, and visible cracks or chips in the tooth.

Lost filling or crown

A lost filling or crown can cause pain and sensitivity, and it can also lead to further damage if left untreated. Symptoms include discomfort while biting or chewing and visible gaps in the tooth.

Object stuck between teeth

An object stuck between teeth can cause discomfort and irritation, and it can also lead to infection if left untreated. Symptoms include pain and difficulty flossing or brushing the teeth.

How to respond to dental emergencies

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to seek treatment at our emergency dentist Bournemouth as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some steps you can take to respond to a dental emergency.

Call our emergency dentist Bournemouth and explain the situation. The receptionist will be able to advise you on the best course of action and schedule an appointment if necessary.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, try to gently rinse it gently with a suitable solution (ask our dentist about this) and place it back in the socket if possible. If you cannot put it back in the socket, store it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to our dentist.

If you have taken a blow and have a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. On the outside of the mouth, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.