Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference when protecting your smile. Quick action is essential to prevent further complications, whether it’s a severe toothache or a chipped or knocked-out tooth.
At Park Dental Care, we understand how stressful and painful a dental crisis can be. That’s why we’re here to guide you through what to do if you face a dental emergency in Nottingham. Whether you’re a regular patient or visiting for the first time, we’re committed to providing fast, professional, compassionate care.
In this blog, we’ll cover common dental emergencies, the immediate actions you can take, and how to access emergency dental care in Nottingham. Knowing how to respond to a dental emergency can minimise the damage and get the care you need as quickly as possible.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Not all dental issues require immediate attention, but some situations demand urgent care to prevent further complications. A dental emergency is any issue involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that causes severe pain, bleeding, or potential long-term damage. Recognising a true emergency can help you take the right steps to protect your oral health.
When Should You Act?
Dental emergencies can escalate quickly if left untreated. For example, an untreated abscess can lead to serious infections, while a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated quickly. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
At Park Dental Care, we recommend contacting a dentist immediately if you’re experiencing severe pain, visible damage to a tooth, or signs of infection. Our emergency dental care in Nottingham is designed to provide quick, effective treatment to help you recover and avoid long-term complications.
Common Dental Emergencies and Immediate Actions
When faced with a dental emergency, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to the most common dental crises and how to handle them effectively:
- Non-Dental Cuts, Fractures, or Loss of Consciousness:
If you experience cuts, facial fractures, or lose consciousness due to an accident, go straight to the A&E department at your local hospital
- Whole Teeth Loosened or Lost:
Push the tooth back into the socket if possible. If it’s too painful, store the tooth in cold milk and see an emergency dentist immediately.
- Teeth Moved by Trauma:
Push the tooth back into its original position. If it’s too painful, seek emergency dental care quickly.
- Large Chips Off Teeth:
- Store the fragment in cold milk until you can see a dentist
- Seek treatment within 48 hours.
- Small (¼ Tooth) Chips or Lost Fragments:
- Apply Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste to reduce sensitivity
- Seek treatment within 48 hours
- If the sharp edge irritates, use wax or over-the-counter temporary filling material to cover the area
- Lost Filling:
- Apply Sensodyne toothpaste to sensitive areas
- Use wax or temporary filling material to cover sharp edges
- Avoid hard foods and keep the area clean
- See your dentist within 48 hours
- Loose or Lost Crowns or Bridges:
- Temporarily reattach the crown or bridge using denture fixative
- Seek dental assistance within 48 hours
- Injured or Bleeding Gums:
- Rinse your mouth with hot brine (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times daily
- Brush gently from the gum line towards the tooth, even if painful
- Bleeding and Painful Gums:
- Apply Sensodyne jelly or toothpaste to sensitive teeth
- Seek dental care if symptoms persist
- Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
- Tooth Sensitivity:
- Rub Sensodyne toothpaste onto the sensitive tooth
- Keep your mouth clean by brushing twice daily or rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash if brushing is painful
- Severe Sharp Pain:
- Apply oil of cloves to the tooth
- Take ibuprofen (avoid if asthmatic) four times a day
- Seek dental treatment within 48 hours
- Dull Aching or Throbbing Pain:
- Alternate between ibuprofen and paracetamol every two hours for severe cases
- Seek dental assistance within 48 hours
- Aching or Sensitivity to Hot and Cold:
This is normal after treatment and may last up to two weeks. Seek help if it persists longer
- Sharp Pain on Biting:
Pain after treatment is common. Consult your dentist if it lasts more than two weeks
- Bleeding After Extractions:
- Apply pressure to the socket by biting on a gauze or cotton wool wrapped in kitchen roll for 30 minutes. Stay calm and seated
- Avoid rinsing your mouth on the day of extraction
- Unstoppable Bleeding or Severe Swelling:
Contact an emergency dental service immediately
- Damaged Dentures or Braces
- Avoid gluing them at home
- Use denture fixative to secure them temporarily
- Bring any broken fragments to your appointment in a clean container
By following these steps, you can manage dental emergencies effectively until you see a professional. For urgent care in Nottingham, contact our emergency dental service at Park Dental Care to ensure you get the care you need when you need it.
Preparing for Future Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can’t always be avoided, a little preparation can make them less stressful.
- Create a Dental First Aid Kit: Include essentials like temporary filling material, dental wax, gauze, pain relief (e.g. ibuprofen) and a small container for storing broken fragments.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Preventive care helps catch potential problems before they become emergencies.
- Save Emergency Contact Information: Keep the details of your dentist or emergency dental service handy, such as Park Dental Care for Nottingham-based care.
- Consider Dental Insurance: Having a plan can ease the financial burden of an emergency.
With these steps, you’ll be better equipped to handle any dental crisis that comes your way.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies can be alarming, but having a clear plan and knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. If you’re in Nottingham, you don’t have to face a dental crisis alone. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, or a lost filling, our emergency dental services at Park Dental Care are here to provide the prompt, professional care you need.
Don’t let a dental emergency disrupt your day – save our contact information now and reach out for expert assistance when you need it the most. Together, we’ll help you restore your smile and get back to feeling your best.
