Life is not black and white and neither are medical emergencies.
We have all visited a hospital at one time or another and seen the variety of people who visit the emergency department; some are whisked off by the medical staff for immediate treatment, while others have to wait to see a consultant.
While all dental emergencies require urgent attention, it is important to differentiate which require immediate medical attention and what to do if you are required to wait to see a dentist in Harley Street.
We are proud to have an emergency dentist in Harley Street; they are an essential member of our team who is dedicated to getting you out of discomfort sooner. Our team aims to see all emergency patients on the same day that the emergency occurs, helping you get back on track!
However, if you require an emergency appointment in the middle of the night, it is important that you are aware of what to do in order to control any associated discomfort until you see a dentist in Harley Street come morning. We will highlight the steps you need to take in a dental emergency and how to identify when you need urgent medical attention.
Identify the issue
This can be exceedingly tricky or may be very easy.
Regardless, if you are able to manage to pull your lip back to examine the area that is hurting, try to identify the cause; is the tooth decayed? Is it broken? Or is there a large swelling that has suddenly appeared? Is the swelling sore?
All of these will need same-day treatment, but the underlying cause will impact what you need to do to stop the pain.
Clean the area
When your mouth is tender, this can be difficult.
If you are in discomfort, gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water; if you have lost a filling, a crown or a tooth, this will clean the area of any debris. While waiting for your emergency appointment, it is important to repeat this step after eating or drinking, to keep the area clear.
Gargle with saltwater
When you have an infection or a lost tooth, it is important to gargle saltwater.
Salt is a readily available antiseptic, which will clean the area and keep any infection at bay for the time being. If you have access to clove oil, try putting some onto cotton wool and press it gently to the site of the pain; this will reduce the discomfort and swelling.
Take painkillers
Obviously, if you are in pain, take the strongest painkillers you have. Do not drink alcohol.
If possible, try to take an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce any swelling that may be causing additional pressure to build in the jaw.
Go to hospital
Are you feverish? Are you vomiting or do you have diarrhoea? A combination of all three? If you answered yes to any of these, your dental emergency cannot wait until morning and you need to go to your nearest emergency room.