Emergency dentist London

Typically any dental problem that needs prompt attention to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding or save an injured tooth is considered a dental emergency. This also includes severe infections that could be potentially life-threatening. If you have any of these symptoms then you should call our London dental practice for an emergency dental appointment.

Some of the most common emergency dental problems include a knocked-out tooth, a lost filling, a partially dislodged tooth, an abscess and injuries affecting the gums. If you’re not sure that you have a dental emergency it’s always best to ask a dental professional who will identify whether your problem can wait for a few days or whether it needs immediate attention.

If your tooth has been aching for more than two days then it’s best to contact the dentist. If you have been running a high temperature, experience pain when you bite down, or swelling, then you should visit the dentist sooner rather than later.

For the first couple of days or while you’re waiting to see an emergency dentist in London there are a few things you can do to alleviate your discomfort:

• Rinse your mouth with salt water
• Avoid very hot or cold food or drinks and eat on the other side of the mouth to avoid the sore tooth
• Take painkillers such as Nurofen and Paracetamol

Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid going to A&E if you have a dental emergency. Most doctors are not fully equipped to treat a dental emergency and going to the hospital could result in a frustrating experience for you.

Occasions when you need to go straight to A&E include:

• Swelling which is getting worse and could make it difficult for you to swallow or breathe
• Uncontrollable bleeding in your mouth
• Swelling in your neck or jaw following dental problems

A dental abscess is an accumulation of pus that may have formed inside your teeth, gums, or in the bone that supports the teeth and is caused by a bacterial infection. Because there is no way the pus can drain from your mouth it turns into a dental abscess. It can cause swelling that looks to all intent and purpose like a boil and this can burst in the mouth.

If the abscess does burst in your mouth, the pain will be considerably less than it was but it’s still necessary to see an emergency dentist. They can drain the abscess fully and cleanse the affected area with a saline solution to help reduce the swelling and keep the area clean. You may need further treatment to ensure that the infection has cleared completely. Your dentist can advise you after your emergency treatment.

As dentists, we all do our best to preserve a natural tooth wherever possible as this helps to maintain the natural structure of the mouth. Saving the tooth as opposed to removing it, also lessens the risk of infection and will save you the additional cost of replacing it with either a dental implant or a bridge.

Yes, there will be a charge for an emergency dental appointment at our London dental clinic.