Out of hours dentists suggest practical tips to follow during dental emergencies

Handling dental emergencies is easier when you know more about it. The more you know and are aware about, the faster is your reaction in such circumstances. As a result you take the right decisions easily which help preserving your badly diseased or damaged teeth in the long term. In the following sections of this blog post skilled and experienced dentists working at the widely trusted private practice Emergency Dentists London Pro share few easy and tested tips that make easier to take the right decisions in a dental emergency. Here we go!

First decide if it is indeed a dental emergency

Every problem related to your teeth, jaws and the mouth is not a dental emergency. So, it is important to determine whether a specific condition is a dental emergency. Based on this categorisation you can decide what to do next. If you have a tooth completely knocked out of its socket in the jaw or suffering from extreme toothache then you need to see a dentist on an emergency appointment immediately as both the conditions are definitely dental emergencies. In case you are not sure whether a particular condition is a dental emergency, you should better get in touch with the office of your dentist and explain the matter. They can advise your further regarding what needs to be done.

With few exceptions it is better avoiding the A&E of local hospitals

For any problem related to your teeth, jaws and the overall mouth, it is always better to go to a nearby dental practice which offers emergency dental treatments, suggests a dentist available out of hours in London. Other than a few exceptions it is better avoiding the A&E of local hospitals for any issue related to your mouth or oral health. Medical practitioners in A&E rooms are not thoroughly trained unlike a dentist to treat dental conditions. Moreover they are also not equipped with all the necessary resources at all times.

However if you develop any symptom that is life threatening as a result of your oral health condition, like a massive swelling in the mouth which affects the face or uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, it is better to walk into the A&E room of your local hospital. There doctors may not be able to treat your dental issue properly but they can certainly do the needful to mitigate your life-threatening condition. It is also relevant mentioning in this context that as far as the United Kingdom is concerned, a large number of private dental practices readily offer “same day”, “out of hours” and “next day” dental emergency appointments. So you should be able to see a qualified dentist relatively quick and secure the emergency dental treatment you require.

Contact your regular dentist or the dental practice you are registered with

In certain instances it is possible for a dentist to see you as you walk into the practice. But if you place a call beforehand chances are higher that you may get an emergency appointment. Usually dental practices retain appointment slots for emergency cases just in case a patient comes in suffering from an emergency condition or the other. When you call ahead you are likely to get an appointment slot which is retained for emergency cases. However it may be the case that your dentist does not have any emergency appointment available on a particular day. In that case you better keep trying your luck at other practices nearby. It is also a good idea to call the NHS helpline at 111 to seek advice about emergency dental services that are available in and around your location.

It is important accessing whether you need to accomplish anything before your appointment

Dental emergency cases can be further categorised according to their nature. Suppose if you have a nasty infection in the tooth it is your dentist’s responsibility to deal with the problem from every possible aspect as you remain seated in the chair. But if it is a case of a knocked out tooth then you have to act something out before your dentist starts his or her work to ensure saving or retaining the tooth explain dentists providing urgent appointments near me.   

Strictly follow the instructions and advices of your dentist after the appointment

During the course of your emergency dental appointment your dentist will give your instructions and advices for the next steps. Depending on your condition the dental professional may also prescribe you medications like antibiotic or pain-managing varieties. Even follow up appointments could be on the cards to clear up the problem completely. In any case it is your responsibility to ensure following up on the instructions and advices given by the dentist to avoid any further complication to the problem.

Now let us explore few tips that help preventing a dental emergency.

Tips to prevent dental emergencies 

In the real world it is practically impossible to avoid accidents but when dental emergencies are concerned, you can certainly practice a few things to keep those at bay.

·         If you're involved in contact sports or any activity that puts your teeth and jaws at risk, it's essential to wear a mouth guard. A customized mouth guard, available through your emergency dentist, offers better protection and safety compared to over-the-counter options. You can request a personalized mouth guard tailored to your teeth directly from your dentist.

·         Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste to maintain optimum oral hygiene every day. In the long run proper and daily brushing of the teeth saves you from tooth cavities.

·         In addition to the tips mentioned above, Emergency Dentist London Pro who offers same day appointments near me emphasizes that attending regular oral health checkups is crucial in preventing dental emergencies. For those in need, they also offer convenient same day appointments near me to ensure timely care.