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.
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.
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.
