What Does an Emergency Dentist Do?

No matter how careful we are, emergencies can occur anywhere, anytime. Whether it is a cracked tooth or bleeding that won’t stop, some situations reqiure an immediate visit to the dentists office. 

“Can every dentist treat dental emergencies?” you might ask. Yes, all dentists undergo training in dental school to manage emergency dental situations. However, there are some dentists, the emergency dentists, who have undertaken specialized courses and training in the management of different types of dental emergencies. 

So, what is a dental emergency and where to go to in case you are having an emergency? This article everything you need to know dental emergencies and their management. 

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Now comes the next question “what constitutes a dental emergency? According to the National Health Service (NHS), any injury or situation that can lead to permanent damage to your oral or physical health, must constitutes a dental emergency. Therefore, it is important to know what kind of injuries require emergency dental care, so you can keep your family safe and healthy. 

When to Visit an Emergency Dentist?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), if you are having any of the following symptoms or problems, you must visit your dentist for emergency dental treatment:

• Tooth Pain - tooth pain can arise due to a variety of reasons. It can occur because of an underlying dental abscess, or it can be because of a chipped or cracked tooth. Regardless of the reason, toothaches should not be considered lightly, especially if they do not go away after taking painkillers. If the pain persists, you must must seek emergency dental treatment. 
• Uncontrolled Bleeding - while it is normal for injuries to bleed, any bleeding that persists and does not stop even after the application of gentle pressure, can prove to be life threatening and requires immediate dental care. 
• Knocked Out Tooth - if you have a knocked out tooth, The National Health Servive (NHS) recommends that you hold it by the crown and try to put it back into its socket. If that is not possible, then you can keep the tooth in a jar containing milk. Alternatively, you can also keep in between your teeth and the cheeks, as the saliva will the protect the knocked out tooth from damage.

While you preserve the tooth, try to reach your dentist as spoon as possible, as knocked out teeth can get reattached in their sockets provided they reimplanted without significant delay. Do not try to reinsert a child tooth - try to see a child dentist immediately.

• Swelling - swellings can form around the teeth or gums as a result of a dental abscess or periodontal infection. Generally, if you a swelling that persists for many days, or causes discomfort, you should visit your dentist without delay, as some swellings can prove to be life-threatening if not treated timely. 
• Broken Orthodontic Wire or Dislodged Bracket - if you have a broken wire that is impining on your cheeks, lips or gums, you must visit your dentist as it can lead to injury, although it would not be considered a dental emergency. Similarly, a lose or detached orthodontic bracket must also be replaced as soon as possible. 
• Something Stuck Between the Teeth - if you have something stuck between your teeth that is causing pain, try to removing it gently with a dental floss. Don’t exert excessive pressure as it can injure your soft tissues. If you are unable to remove the object, then it is best that you visit your dentist to remove the foreign object. This would however not be considered a dental emergency.
• Dislodged Crown or Filling - a dislodged crown or filling may cause significant pain and discomfort if it leads to the exposure of the underlying, sensitive dentin and pulp layers. Such situations require immediate dental assistance, where your dentist will re-attach the crown to its place, or restore the tooth with a new filling. 

What Does the Dentist Do for Tooth Pain?

Toothache always occurs due to a reason. When you visit your dentists with a toothache, he or she is trained in diagnosing the underlying cause of a toothache, and then treating it accordingly. This will usually involve uncovering the cause of the pain, this could be any of the problems listed above. In conjunction with pain relief, such as over-the-counter pain killers, your dentist will treat the underlying cause. You may also require a root canal treatment if the pulp of the tooth has become infected.

I have a Mild Tooth Pain, What Should I Do?

Mild tooth pain can normally be treated by taking over-the-counter pain medications. Swish your mouth with lukewarm water to remove any foreign objects between your teeth that may be causing the problem. However, if the pain still does not go away, then it may indicative of some underlying problem that needs your dentists immediate attention. The American Dental Assocation (ADA) suggests that you should never put aspirin or any other painkiller directly over the aching tooth or beside an inflamed gum. 

I have Severe Tooth Pain, What Should I Do?

Severe tooth pain can arise due to a variety of reasons such as periodontal inflammation, cracked or fractured tooth, pulp inflammation and dental injuries. If you’re having severe tooth pain that is not relieved after taking painkillers, then you must see your dentist right away for emergency treatment. 

What Will an Emergency Dentist Do?

Emergency dentists are trained and experienced in taking care of all types of situations that require immediate dental treatment. Treatments could include:

• Covering any exposed broken tooth area with a bonding material
• Extraction of teeth
• Treatment of any access and prescription of antibiotics

Emergency Dentist in Liverpool During COVID-19 Lockdown

Finding an emergency dentist can be callenging - especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, when most dental practices are not accepting any patients. However, there is no need to worry, as some dental practices are still open and they also accept emergency appointments.

You can call your dental service provider to enquire whether they accept emergency appointments during the lockdown, or if they can refer to any other practice. Alternatively, you can also walk into any hospital emergency or call NHS at 111 for necessary assistance.

If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Liverpool that is open during the COVID-19 lockdown, then look no more!

It’s business as usual at Cosby Dental! Whether you need professional teeth cleaning, or the restoration of a crooked tooth during the lockdown, we are providing all dental services under one roof!

What’s more, you can visit our website here to download a voucher that entitles you to a comprehensive dental health check.

So, what’s stopping you? Don’t worry, in addition to the word-class sterilization technology and cross-infection prevention protocols established at Cosby Dental, we also rigorously follow all the guidelines for COVID-19 prevention by using personal protective equipment (PPEs), and the SOPs directed by the health authorities. So, you can rest assured that you are in safe and capable hands!

Don’t let your oral health and smile suffer because of the COVID-19 lockdown! Visit us today and let us keep your teeth and gums healthy!

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Proudly welcoming patients from around the Liverpool area including Waterloo, Blundellsands, Waterloo, Formby, Thornton, Hightown & Bootle

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