As long as nothing hurts and teeth feel fine, everything seems okay, but problems can and do crop up very quickly. In some extreme circumstances, they can prove to be life-threatening, especially when an infection is present. Show
Dental Treatment in the Emergency RoomWhile most emergency rooms don’t have the facilities to provide routine dental care, they can help in emergencies when urgent care is needed. The ER staff can get patients stabilized, control bleeding, and give treatment for dental fractures. In the case of bacterial infections, they can provide antibiotics and will arrange for transfer to the hospital if necessary. They can also treat broken, dislodged, or fractured teeth and help to control severe pain. What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?Any injuries to gums or teeth should be viewed as an emergency situation that shouldn’t be ignored. Getting problems seen to quickly can prove beneficial in the end as it often prevents the need for more extensive treatment later. The kinds of problem or injury the emergency room can help with includes: Teeth Knocked OutGetting a tooth knocked out or dislodged is a traumatic experience, but it doesn’t automatically mean the tooth is lost. In some circumstances, the tooth can be replanted, but you need to look after it correctly:
If teeth are partially dislodged but not knocked completely out, seek emergency treatment immediately. You can apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek or jaw to help with pain or swelling, and it’s okay to take over the counter pain relievers if you need them. Cracked TeethCracks in teeth should never be ignored because if they’re not treated the cracks can extend below the gum and worsen to the extent that the tooth can’t be saved. While many cracks appear in the enamel and don’t cause pain, those that occur on the biting surface may cause pain when eating or drinking. If you have pain or discomfort from a cracked tooth, it’s best to get it looked at to determine any necessary treatment. Severe ToothacheToothaches can come from the tooth itself through decay, or it can come from more serious issues such as gum disease or infections. Often, pain relievers help take away discomfort, but it’s best to investigate the underlying causes especially if there is severe pain or facial swelling. Swellings or AbscessesAccesses under or close to a tooth can cause swelling and extreme pain or sensitivity and tenderness. In serious cases, the infection in an abscess can spread to other parts of the body, compounding the problem and even becoming life-threatening. They should never be taken lightly. The infection can be drained, which will relieve pain, but root canal work by a dentist may be needed to restore the tooth and prevent further infection. Soft Tissue Injuries to the MouthInjuries to the gums, tongue or inside the cheek or lips are fairly common and not normally serious. However, in some cases, it’s difficult to stop any bleeding. Under normal circumstances following these tips will stem blood flow:
More Serious Symptoms Associated With Dental ProblemsSome dental emergencies can be serious, with symptoms coming on quite quickly. Emergency symptoms include:
If any of these things occur, contact the emergency room immediately for help and advice. They can bring things under control and, if further treatment is needed, make appropriate arrangements. See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days. There are things you can do to ease it while you wait for an appointment. Non-urgent advice: See a dentist if you have toothache:
Do not go to your GP as they will not be able to give you dental treatment. Immediate action required: Go to A&E if you have toothache and:
Information: To see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours:
If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:
You may have to pay for your appointment. Read more about NHS dental charges. How to ease toothache while waiting for an appointmentDo
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