Emergency Dental treatment at MSC.

As a culture, we have come a long way in terms of dental health. This is mostly due to cheaper dental care on the NHS, and help resources being more readily available on the internet. However, dental emergencies can still occur, which is why it’s important to know the process to go through if you do ever experience an emergency with your dental health. Knowing how to get started on the road to recovery will save you time, money and quite possible pain.

In this blog, we take a look at Midlands Smile Centres emergency dentistry, how it can help, and what you should do if you find yourself with a dental emergency.

Quick action is the most important factor to increase the chance of successful treatment. Quick treatment helps to reduce the chance of infection. In some cases, patients will find an infection occurs if they have failed to address a dental problem within an appropriate time scale. If you require emergency dental treatment, please contact your local Midlands Smile Centres practice, and our reception team will be able to help you start your recovery.

Every MSC practice offers emergency dentistry. However, for emergency cases outside of normal work hours, please contact our Kings Heath or Selly Oak practices, where they can address your emergency at all times of the day.

What Should be Considered as a Dental Emergency?

We at MSC take various dental emergency cases. This can quite often mean that we come across new or different problems on a weekly basis. Generally, we can categorise a problem under one of the following headings:

Toothache

One of the more common problems we encounter with emergency treatment is toothache. This can be very painful but varies between each case. If you feel continuous pain for 30 minutes after taking pain killers and completing a thorough clean of your teeth, this is a clear sign that there is something wrong and getting to your local dentist as soon as possible is essential.

Broken Tooth or Filling

While this problem most commonly occurs with contact sports, this could happen to anyone. A broken tooth or filling can expose your teeth to further damage and discomfort. Failure to address this issue could ultimately lead to the loss of a tooth.

Lump Near the Tooth Line

Normally quite an uncommon dental emergency, but possibly one of the most uncomfortable of problems to have. The lump is normally caused by an abscess which can be rather painful. Addressing this immediately is paramount. Leaving this alone will, without doubt, cause tooth loss of one or more of the surrounding teeth.

Broken Crowns
Again this is a very common occurrence and one which is often ignored. However, in some cases leaving a broken crown can lead to tooth decay at the root of the tooth, which is irreversible. In more serious cases, this can cause an abscess and eventually loss of the tooth. If you have a broken crown, make sure you talk to your dentists as soon as possible.

Dislodged or Knocked Out Tooth

Like a broken tooth, this is a common occurrence for those playing in contact sports such as rugby. In instances such as this it is important to get to the dentist as soon as possible. The quicker a patient can get to the dentist, the better the chance they have of saving your tooth. Another way to increase the likelihood of your tooth being re-inserted is by placing your tooth in milk. This is a genuine way to help maintain the condition of a knocked-out tooth. If you follow these steps, you’ll give the dentist a greater chance of being able to re-insert the tooth.

Lost Tooth

If you’ve managed to knock out and lose a tooth you should still be getting to your dentist quickly. The loss of a tooth can result in infection of your gums, leading to pain and even the loss of more teeth. Getting to the dentist to have the wound cleaned and to introduce a plan of action should mean you can have your smile back in no time at all.

Preventing the Emergency

While some of these emergencies are almost impossible to foresee, most can be prevented as long as you know how. With that in mind here are some simple ways to avoid these problems:

Pay Attention to What You’re Eating

Hard sweets, ice cubes and even corn on the cob can be hard work for your teeth. Avoid eating these on a regular basis as to not damage crowns or fillings.

Wear Protection

When playing contact sports, wear a gum shield. This great bit of protective gear does a fantastic job of keeping your teeth where they’re meant to be. This will reduce the chance of a tooth being knocked out or broken.

Listen to Your Teeth

Have the same approach to your dentist as you do the doctors. Your teeth can tell you a lot, and you know when something doesn’t feel correct. This is a great way to catch a problem, such as an abscess, before it develops and causes any damage.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

It’s quite common for somebody to come into the practice and have broken or lost teeth because they tried to open a bottle with them. Your teeth are not tools, and using them for anything other than eating can cause damage.

Good Dental Hygiene

The easiest way to keep your teeth in good condition is to have an effective cleaning regime. Cleaning your teeth twice a day, including flossing and mouthwash, will help to give you a long-lasting smile for as long as possible.

About Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centres have 5 practices located across Birmingham. All of our practices offer emergency service to all new and existing patients. MSC also offers a wide range of services including cosmetics, facial aesthetics and dental implants which provide a patient with a smile they can be proud of. For more information about the treatments we offer or to book an appointment, head to our website today.

Do you have a dental emergency? Contact your local MSCtoday.