
What to do in a dental emergency
At Staina House Dental Practice, your health and comfort are incredibly important to us. We understand how dental issues can disrupt your daily life, leaving you in pain and unable to do the things you enjoy.
Our clinicians recognise that emergencies are completely out of your control, which is why we work hard to accommodate our patients with our same-day dental appointments. However, knowing what constitutes a dental emergency is what allows you to receive the right care at the right time.
Keep reading to find out more about what is classed as a dental emergency and when to contact our Garstang practice.
What is classed as a dental emergency?
You may be wondering whether your oral health issue is an emergency. Maybe you are thinking that, although you are suffering, you don’t have time to deal with your pain and you can wait until your next check-up. However, the following situations are classed as dental emergencies and do need prompt attention:
- Severe toothache
- A knocked-out tooth
- A chipped tooth
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- An abscess
- A lost restoration, such as a filling
- Signs of infection, including swelling, pain or fever
If you notice any of the above signs of a dental emergency, it’s absolutely crucial that you contact our experienced team straight away by calling 01995 605707. Seeking dental care quickly is the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
What is the most common dental emergency?
As per gov.uk, ‘Several studies have described dental attendance patterns of those attending urgent dental services. Pain was the most common presenting complaint.’ This pain can stem from various issues such as abscesses or trauma. Addressing the underlying cause of the pain quickly is essential for preventing further complications – and providing relief.
Ignoring persistent pain can lead to an infection spreading and, in some cases, losing a tooth. An emergency dental appointment at our practice is essential for preventing further complications.
And what is NOT a dental emergency?
Understanding what does not constitute a dental emergency can help you avoid unnecessary stress and visits to our practice.
- Minor toothache. A mild toothache that responds well to pain relief medication and does not significantly interfere with your daily activities can sometimes wait for a regular dental appointment.
- Small chips or cracks. Minor damage to a tooth that does not cause pain or expose the inner layers of the tooth can typically be addressed during regular dental hours.
- Loose crowns or fillings. While uncomfortable, a loose crown or filling that does not cause pain or other severe symptoms can often wait until the next available appointment.
Other situations that are not classed as dental emergencies include:
- Some sensitivity
- Stained teeth
- Gum disease
- Mild wisdom tooth pain
You should still call us for any of these issues to arrange an assessment but this does not always need to be the same day the issue was noticed.
During your emergency dental appointment
During an emergency dental appointment at Staina House, our caring team will do everything they can to relieve your pain and address the immediate issue. We will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your discomfort. This may include X-rays to get a clear view of the affected area.
If you are in severe pain, we will provide appropriate pain relief measures to help you feel more comfortable. This may be in the form of a local anaesthetic or pain relief medication.
Based on our assessment, we will develop a treatment plan to address the issue. This could involve procedures such as draining an abscess, performing a root canal or repairing a broken tooth. In some cases, we will perform the necessary treatment during the emergency appointment to resolve the issue or at least stabilise your condition until further treatment can be rearranged.
After your emergency dental treatment, we will schedule follow-up appointments at our Garstang practice.
What do I do in a dental emergency?
Stay calm – Take a deep breath and try to remain as calm as possible.
Call us – Call our practice immediately on 01995 605707. Explain your symptoms and we will provide guidance on the next steps, arranging to see you as soon as possible.
Pain management – If you’re in pain, use over-the-counter pain relief medications as directed. You can also apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Preserve a knocked-out tooth – If a tooth has been knocked out, keep the tooth wet in milk until you can be seen by a dentist.
Seek emergency care – If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or an extremely high fever, please seek emergency medical care at the nearest A&E.
Preventing a dental emergency
When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips on preventing a dental emergency:
We encourage our patients to schedule routine dental appointments so that we can keep an eye on their oral health. Detecting issues early on can prevent them from becoming more serious.
It’s vital that you take good care of your oral health between appointments. Brush and floss daily to prevent concerns like cavities and gum disease.
If you’re a contact sports player, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
Avoid using your teeth as tools – that means no opening packages or bottles with your smile!
If you are experiencing signs of a dental emergency…
Please contact our Garstang practice as soon as possible to arrange an appointment. Prompt action in a dental emergency can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Ensure a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles by calling us today on 01995 605707.