Emergency Dentist in Byford

Frantic patients can think that the only place they can seek emergency dental care is at the nearest hospital. Here are some reasons why you should consider turning to your dentist during a dental emergency.

• Pain relief 
  One of the common symptoms that consitutes a dental emergency is the presence of intense pain. Tooth pain can either be intermittent or constant, throbbing or sharp. Regardless how the pain presents, it can disrupt one’s daily activities and distract you from your tasks. After the pain is alleviated, the patient will be much more receptive to other treatments targeted to solve the underlying condition.
  
  
• Save tooth
  One of the goals of dentistry is to preserve a patient’s natural teeth as much as possible. Tooth and gum infections can weaken dental structures and cause tooth loss. If attended to in a timely manner, one can save the affected tooth and spare themselves from the costly procedure of tooth replacement.
  
  
• Saves money
  Emergency rooms often bill patients higher than what they would expect to pay if seen at a dental clinic. In some cases, the price can be more than double or triple the cost. Additionally, the attending physician in the Emergency room will still refer patients to a dentist for follow-up care, compounding one’s expenses.
  
  
• Continuity of care
  It is advisable for patients to stick to one dentist when dealing with a dental emergency. Your dentist will already know all about your oral history, as opposed to a different dental professional who would still need to learn about it. The outcomes are generally better this way because dentists familiar with a patient’s history often make the most informed decisions regarding dental treatment. Follow-up care is also more convenient with a dentist you already know and trust.

If a tooth is chipped or broken, you should seek immediate care from your dentist. The remaining tooth structure may have sharp and uneven edges that can injure other structures in your mouth. Your dentist will reconstruct your tooth with a special filling that most closely resembles your natural tooth colour.

Severely damaged teeth with exposed dental pulps will be painful and troublesome. Your dentist may recommend ways to salvage the tooth by performing a root canal and restoring the tooth structure with a crown or bridge. A dental implant is also a viable long-term treatment option.

For an avulsed or knocked out tooth, it’s best to seek dental care immediately. If you are still able to find the tooth, hold the crown part only and store it in milk as soon as possible while you’re making a dental appointment. Do not use water to clean or store the tooth as it will alter the pH of the tooth, lowering the chance of success for reattachment.

Bacterial infections can cause the formation of a tooth abscess. This is a collection of pus that forms at any region of a tooth. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see if a tooth abscess or infection is present:

• A severe and persistent toothache is characterized by throbbing pain in the immediate area with a possible affectation of the jaw, neck, or ear.
• Increased sensitivity to pressure and extremes of temperature
• Low-grade fever
• Swelling in the face or cheek
• Tender and swollen lymph node under the jaw
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing

In the event that the tooth abscess ruptures, you will feel a sudden pain accompanied by the sudden presence of a foul-smelling and foul-tasting salty fluid in your mouth. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, see your dentist immediately for prompt treatment to avoid the infection from spreading.

1. Take note of any changes in oral structures.
   Keep track of any pain you may feel in your mouth. Sore gums and sudden tooth pains can be warning signs for more serious conditions. It may be tempting to ignore these mundane symptoms, but prevention is better – and cheaper than a cure. The sooner you check in with your dentist, the better the outcome.
   
   
2. Keep up good dental hygiene at home.
   Be sure to brush your teeth using the proper technique at least twice a day. Flossing regularly will clear the spaces of your teeth from food debris and prevent bacteria build-up. Even simple things like drinking water regularly can clear the mouth of harmful bacteria, improving oral health.
   
   
3. Replace your toothbrush regularly.
   Typically, you should replace your toothbrush every 2 to three months. Replace it immediately if the bristles begin to look worn or splayed. Worn-out toothbrushes no longer effectively clean your teeth.
   
   
4. Find your family a good dentist.
   Make sure that your dentist is close enough to see conveniently. Although it may take some time to find your ideal dentist, this is a relationship that will last years. Therefore, you need to find a dental professional that makes you feel comfortable. Try to see them regularly for your dental check-ups.
   
   
5. When engaging in sports, wear a protective mouthguard.
   Traumatic dental injuries can be caused by both contact and non-contact sports. A mouthguard helps protect your teeth from damage, especially when you take a blow to the mouth. You can even ask your dentist about custom-made mouthguards for maximum comfort and protection.