Emergency Dentist
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is important to seek immediate treatment. Not only will it reduce the discomfort you are feeling, it will also decrease the risk of developing further dental problems or complications.
Avulsed Teeth (knocked out)
In the event your tooth is knocked out, if the tooth remains whole it may be possible to save it. Avulsed teeth need to be placed back in the socket as soon as possible, but before you attempt to do this, you must examine the tooth to check it is clean. The tooth can be rinsed with milk if necessary. Take care to hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root.
If you are attempting to re-socket the tooth, you must hold it by the crown and insert the root of the tooth back into the gum socket then bite down on a clean cloth for approximately 20 minutes. If you cannot reposition the tooth, store it in your mouth between your cheek and gums and arrange an emergency appointment with Castle Dental straight away.
In the case of smaller children, it is advised that the avulsed tooth is kept in milk whilst being transported to the dental practise to avoid the child swallowing it. If the tooth is a milk tooth, it is generally not advisable to replace it, but you must still book a dentist appointment to ensure no fragments remain in the socket.
Extruded teeth (partially dislodged)
If a tooth is partially dislodged due to an impact injury, it is known as an extruded tooth. In this instance, it is strongly advised that you leave the tooth as it is and book an emergency dental appointment. Do not attempt to pull the tooth out as blood vessels and the tooth nerve may still be connected, increasing the chance the tooth can be saved.
Tooth fracture (chipped tooth)
It is important to be aware that there are several different types of tooth fracture:
Enamel fractures
Enamel fractures occur within the whitish outer layer of the tooth. They cause little sensitivity but can cause irritation of soft tissues such as the tongue or lips which can be temporarily relieved by the application of wax. It is important to book an emergency dental appointment to have the tooth repaired immediately.
Enamel Dentine fractures
Dentine is the second hardest tissue that lies underneath the outer Enamel layer. It is yellow and brown in colour and not as hard as enamel. A fracture involving dentine may be sensitive to hot and cold and will require an emergency visit to the dentist within 48 hours to seal the tissue and prevent problems with the nerve. Prior to an appointment, avoid consuming hard foods and very hot or very cold foods. If you are in pain, use over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen to help relieve it.
Enamel Dentine Pulp fractures
If a fracture has punctuated the Enamel and Dentine layer, a dark red pulp will be visible at the centre of the tooth. If Pulp is exposed, book an emergency dental appointment straight away.Prior to an appointment, avoid consuming hard foods and very hot or very cold foods. If you are in pain, use over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen to help relieve it.
If you require an emergency dentist appointment, call Castle Dental now on 01423 865149.
