How to Know if You Should Call an Emergency Dentist

It hurts a little bit but I will probably be okay tomorrow, right? This is the approach many people take with their teeth and can lead to severe problems further down the line. An emergency dentist is there for urgent situations. Read on to find out exactly what an urgent situation may be. "It hurts but i'm not sure if I need an emergency dentist.

Do You Think You need an Emergency Dentist?

A good rule of thumb is: if you think you need an emergency dentist, you probably do. If you are in pain then your body is signalling to you that something is wrong. In these cases, you should listen to these signals and pick up the phone. There can be situations where you just aren't sure. Your tooth may hurt a little but does it warrant driving in to see an emergency dentist? If you decide not to get your tooth seen to, could there be consequences further down the line? Here we will discuss the most common situations you may find yourself in when questioning your need for an emergency dentist. There are hundreds of scenarios that you could find yourself in and so if you are still unsure after digesting this article, your best bet is to give your dentist a quick call.

My Tooth Has Fallen Out! Do I Need an Emergency Dentist?

You are enjoying that last tasty sweet when suddenly your once sturdy tooth wanders off into a sticky, chewed up toffee tornado. Your heart sinks. You apprehensively poke your tongue into the empty space to confirm your suspicions. In other more extreme circumstances your tooth may have been forcibly knocked out. This can be the result of; being in the wrong place at the wrong time, your over-eagerness to join the rugby team or a family argument over who gets the last piece of cake. Regardless of the cause, your gums will most likely be bleeding. It is strongly recommended that you try to stop the bleeding and call an emergency dentist within one hour. If you still have your tooth, then hold back from putting it under your pillow. The sooner a knocked-out tooth is re-implanted back into its socket, the more likely it is to reconnect with the gum.

Here's what you can do to re-implant your tooth in a dental emergency:

• You should try to only touch the tooth at the crown. It is advisable to avoid touching the root of the tooth. If you are unsure about the anatomy of the tooth, this diagram will help you out!

• Your tooth may have fallen onto the ground and become dirty. In this case you should rinse it under a cold tap for no longer than 10 seconds. Don't use alcohol to rinse the tooth.

• Now the tooth is clean, you should attempt to push it back into its socket. Once done, you need to bite down carefully on a clean piece of fabric. This will help to keep the tooth in place.

• If you have tried to re-implant the tooth but are struggling to do so, it is recommended to store the tooth in a container and cover it with either milk or some of your own saliva.

• Your next action should be to arrange an emergency appointment with your Dentist. The faster you can get your tooth seen to, the more chance there will be that your tooth can be saved.

I've Cracked/Broken My Tooth. Do I Need an Emergency Dentist?

So, you've cracked a tooth. You should have a look at the damage and assess your action based on the following: Your tooth may be broken but is not bleeding and is still in position. In this case, you will be okay to wait until the next day. You should then phone up your dentist in the usual working hours to get your tooth seen to. If your tooth is knocked out of position and bleeding excessively then you need to take action right away. Especially so, if the tooth is jagged or sharp, as this could pose a danger to the rest of your mouth. You should aim to stop any bleeding and contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

I've Got Severe Pain or Toothache. Do I need an Emergency Dentist?

If you have not been visiting your dentist regularly, you are not only jeopardising your oral hygiene but you could be at risk of severe toothache. This is often caused by tooth decay that has taken your tooth hostage. In other cases, you may have taken a blow to the jaw or mouth that is resulting in harsh pain. In these circumstances, you need to see the dentist quickly as there may be underlying problems. You will be given an x-ray to assess the damage and the dentist will work with you from there.

I Still Don't Know if I Need an Emergency Dentist!

Still unsure whether an emergency dentist is the best option for you? If this is the case then a quick phone call will be the best option. If you can explain clearly what has happened and the type of pain you are feeling then your dentist will be able to inform you of the best action to take.

Cardiff Emergency Dentist | Bamboo Dental

At Bamboo Dental in Cardiff, we put our patients first and are able to offer emergency dental treatment for both registered and non-registered patients. Open 7 days a week, we are able to accommodate for emergency treatment throughout the whole week. Our dental practice is based at 28 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff, CF5 5BS. If you are in need of an emergency dentist in Cardiff then please contact us on 02920 009 628.