A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate treatment. That is why it is important to know what should be done in case of an emergency. One of the first things to do in the case of an emergency is to contact your dentist and request an emergency appointment. But which situations require emergency treatment, and when to contact an emergency dentist Rotherham?
If you’re looking for answers to these questions, then you have come to the right place. This blog explains everything you need to know about dental emergencies and what to do in case of one. So, read on till the end to find answers to your questions.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
The American Dental Association defines a dental emergency as any life-threatening situation that requires immediate treatment to stop uncontrollable bleeding, severe pain, or infection. For example, if someone has a broken tooth that is causing severe, unbearable pain due to the exposure of the underlying pulp, it is considered a dental emergency. Similarly, an irreversible infection of the dental pulp causes severe pain and requires immediate treatment.
How Does Emergency Dentistry Work?
The working of emergency dentistry is based on providing immediate relief or treatment for a life-threatening condition. For example, an oral infection which is causing difficulty breathing due to an obstructed airway could prove life-threatening. Emergency dentists are trained to identify these conditions and provide life-saving treatment.
When Should I Visit An Emergency Dentist?
You should visit an emergency dentist if you have:
- Uncontrolled Bleeding – if you have or a loved one has had a dental injury causing bleeding which isn’t stopping, you should call or visit your dentist right away for emergency treatment.
- Severe Pain – if you have unbearable, severe pain that is not controlled with pain-relieving medication, you should consult your dentist right away, as it constitutes a dental emergency.
- Infection – if there is an infection in the oral region that is obstructing the airway, it could be life-threatening. Therefore, it should be treated right away.
What Treatment Can An Emergency Dentist Do?
Emergency dentists are trained to perform a wide range of procedures to treat emergency dental conditions. For example, if someone is having a dental emergency due to irreversible pulp inflammation, your emergency dentist will treat it by performing root canal treatment. Similarly, if there is pain due to a fractured tooth, they will try to restore it. If that is not possible, they will extract the remaining tooth piece and replace it with an implant-supported prosthesis.
How Quickly Should I See A Dentist After A Dental Emergency?
If you believe that you or a loved one is having a dental emergency, then you should not waste time and see your dentist right away. This is because the sooner you seek treatment in the case of an emergency, the higher the chances of complete recovery. For example, if you have a knocked-out tooth, your dentist may be able to place it back into its socket, provided you seek treatment in a timely.
Can An Emergency Dentist Pull Teeth?
Yes, emergency dentists can pull teeth if needed. A tooth extraction may be needed when a tooth fracture extends below the gumline. In such cases, fractured teeth cannot be restored and your dentist will remove it.
Is Emergency Tooth Extraction Painful?
Tooth extraction, whether performed routinely or as part of dental emergency treatment, is not painful. This is because your dentist will administer local anaesthesia to make you pain-free. So, you can rest assured that emergency tooth extractions are completely painless.
Can An Emergency Dentist Do A Root Canal?
Emergency dentists obtain additional training and experience in performing emergency root canal procedures. In fact, this is the most commonly performed emergency procedure. According to the NHS, a root canal treatment is typically required when the pulp tissue of the tooth becomes irreversibly inflamed. In such cases, emergency dentists remove the inflamed pulp and fill the tooth’s interior with an inert material.
How To Handle A Dental Emergency?
If you believe you or a loved one is having a dental emergency, the first thing to do is to call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. While you’re waiting for your appointment, if there is bleeding, you should place a clean cloth over the site and apply pressure to it to try to stop the bleeding. Alternatively, if there is severe pain, you should take an over-the-counter medication. If you have a knocked-out tooth, you should hold it by its crown and rinse it gently with water. Afterwards, try to place it back into its socket. If it is not possible, you should preserve the tooth. Knocked-out teeth should be preserved in a milk jar or in your cheeks. After securing the tooth, visit your dentist immediately so that it can be re-implanted.
Do Dentists Nearby Provide Emergency Dental Services?
Many dentists provide emergency services. If you have moved to a new city and you’re searching for dental practices, you should select one that offers emergency services out of business hours. If you are looking for a reliable emergency dental practice in Rotherham, you should consider Fitzwilliam Street Dental Care. We offer all kinds of dental care services to our esteemed patients, including emergency dentistry. So whether you have a fractured tooth or a lost filling, our expert dentists are there to take care of all your dental problems. If you want to know more about our services, request a free 30-minute consultation with our Treatment Care Coordinator today.
