When it comes to medical emergencies, most of us are clear about what necessitates a trip to A&E. But what about emergency dental appointments? The reality is that lots of people aren’t sure what constitutes a dental emergency and when it’s necessary to contact a dentist out of hours. Therefore, we explain when it’s appropriate to book an emergency dental appointment and how to get in touch with London City Smiles to get the treatment that you need.
What is considered a dental emergency?
It’s important to recognise that a dental emergency is different from a medical emergency. If you are in a life-threatening situation or have life-threatening injuries, you should call 999 and get the care you need immediately. That being said, the following scenarios can all qualify as dental emergencies:
- Severe dental pain – If you’re in severe dental pain – be it an issue with your teeth or gums – and you can’t focus on anything else, then you can schedule an emergency appointment with a dentist to alleviate the pain you’re currently experiencing.
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth – If you’re bleeding uncontrollably from the mouth, perhaps as a result of a trauma, you can contact a dentist to schedule an emergency appointment.
- Knocked-out teeth – When you lose a tooth, it’s important to act quickly to save it. Whether you’ve lost one or several teeth in an accident, scheduling an emergency dental appointment is a good way to get the care you need.
- Infections – Severe dental infections can lead to abscesses in the mouth, which could even become life-threatening if left untreated. Again, if an abscess in your mouth is causing severe pain, it’s time to call the dentist as a matter of urgency.
What isn’t a dental emergency?
Now that you’re aware of the scenarios that do constitute a dental emergency, what about those that are not? Well, a chipped or cracked tooth isn’t necessarily a dental emergency unless you’re in severe pain as a result of a trauma. Equally, an uncomfortable toothache can wait until a regular dentist appointment, particularly if you’re not in severe pain. Missing crowns or fillings are also not emergencies, but they still require treatment from a dentist. The bottom line is that even if you don’t think you have a dental emergency if you have any problems or issues with your teeth, you should reach out and contact your dentist for advice.
How to contact an emergency dentist
At London City Smiles, we offer emergency dental care to patients who require it. Our technical experience and expertise in emergency situations can alleviate your pain and set you on the path to recovery. If you have recently experienced dental trauma and are in severe pain, you can contact us directly on 020 7837 2300 to get the care that you need as a matter of urgency. Our dentists are available and on call to treat a range of dental emergencies, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you don’t think that your case is a dental emergency, find out more about the dental services that we offer, and book an online appointment to get the non-urgent treatment that you require.
