Recognising when help is needed
Suffering from any degree of dental trauma is never an easy time. If you, or somebody close to you, has fallen over and knocked out one or more of their teeth, it is imperative that you waste no time in seeking out an emergency dentist in Southgate as soon as you can. Obviously, given the nature of treating trauma as a whole, there is never a unifying course of action, but as a general rule – the sooner that treatment is sought out, the higher the likelihood that the tooth can be reinserted or that the patient can make a full recovery.
However, in today’s world, where people are becoming increasingly sceptical about making unnecessary trips outdoors, it can be difficult for some to recognise what qualifies as a ‘dental emergency’ and when best to seek out the aid of a trusted emergency dentist. By having a good understanding of what constitutes a dental emergency, you can avoid any unnecessary stress or dental visits if they are not needed, and get the care you or your loved ones need when it is.
Different types of dental emergency
Whilst trauma may be the most obvious reason for seeking out the aid of an emergency dentist, there are also several other indicators that you or someone close to you may need to have their teeth seen by a professional as soon as possible. One of the most common dental emergency treatments – apart from dental trauma – is a severe toothache. Toothache in any form is never comfortable, however, there are degrees which do not merit the help of an emergency dentist and can be treated through over the counter medicines.
Toothache, however severe, is our body’s way of informing us of a problem which is developing within our teeth and is not something which we should ignore – even if it does not necessarily merit an emergency visit. However, in instances where the pain is excruciating to the point of being unbearable, then you ought to contact your emergency dentist at the closest convenience. Typically, severe dental trauma of this sort spans from either decay or an infection. If the tooth is decayed, then there is a good chance that the emergency dentist will remove the decay and add a dental filling within a single visit to the emergency dental practice.
If there is evidence that the pain is caused by an infection then it may require a return visit to the practice to monitor the treatment, but the dentist will make sure that you are on track to receiving the care that you need and that the pain will be managed through medication in the meantime. One of the key indicators that an infection may be developing can be swelling around the mouth or neck, or – in more severe cases – difficulty breathing. If this is the case then it is of utmost importance that you seek out an emergency dentist as soon as you possibly can.
What happens at a dental emergency appointment
Again, given the nature of emergency treatment of all descriptions, there is never just one solution which is applicable to all cases. However, typically upon visiting an emergency dentist the dental practitioner will initially assess the affected area and clean it away of any foreign materials or bacteria. If the pain is severe, then they may administer a local anaesthetic as required. They will then begin to treat the affected area in whatever way they can – such as reinserting the lost tooth if it is intact, or placing in a temporary crown if further treatment is required. Whatever the course of treatment may be, it is important to remember that dental emergencies can lead to serious ramifications if they are not identified and treated swiftly, and therefore you should not put off visiting an emergency dentist if you feel it is necessary.
