Dental emergency
Whenever you face a dental problem, your first contact should be your dentist. However, you may think twice about contacting your dentist when you have a dental issue during holidays, weekends, or at midnight.
In some instances, especially when you have an emergency dental need, you need immediate attention regardless of when the problem arises. Still, you need to know what is considered a dental emergency to seek the proper care.
Understanding the difference between regular dental issues and emergency dental needs is crucial for your oral and general health.
Dental abscess
A dental abscess occurs when a tooth becomes infected, causing a pocket of pus to accumulate in the tooth. This condition is usually severe and life-threatening. In some cases, dental abscess leads to tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food or drinks, tender lymph nodes in the neck, swollen face, high fever, and bumps on the gums close to the affected tooth.
If a dental abscess is untreated, the infection may spread to your jaw and other surrounding tissues. While waiting foryour dentist, rinse your mouth with saltwater several times daily to draw the pus out and relieve pain.
How to avoid dental emergencies
You can avoid dental emergencies by taking proper care of your gums and teeth every day and regularly visiting your dental professional for dental cleaning and check-up. During your visits to the dentist, they will check for signs of decay, infection, gum disease, fillings and crowns.
Depending on your oral health, your dentist will suggest treatments to address dental issues that may result in an emergency.
If you have a dental emergency requiring an emergency dentist to offer you immediate dental care, visit Smile Clinic London or call 020 7139 8611.