It can happen to the best of us; we are going about our regular daily routine when suddenly, we are hit with a bout of dental pain that knocks us backwards.
At Plowman & Partners, we are often concerned by how few of or patients are aware of which situations warrant an emergency appointment with one of our dentists in Marylebone. We have compiled a list of our most commonly seen dental emergencies with conditions and scenarios that should be treated as an emergency, to help you identify when you, or a loved one, needs same day treatment.
Intense pain
Pain is a somewhat subjective experience, but if you are worried about the level of discomfort you are feeling, it may be time to see your dentist in Marylebone.
Dental pain that requires urgent treatment is sharp, stabbing or throbbing in its intensity, leaving the area around the tooth feeling bruised or extremely tender to touch, it may also react painfully to any pressure.
It is important to contact us for a same day appointment in this instance, as it may indicate an infection, which requires urgent treatment.
Lost filling or crown
Nothing lasts forever and our dentists in Marylebone are used to seeing patients who have lost fillings or crowns, almost on a daily basis.
It is important to note that a lost filling or crown may not be painful, so it is worth checking that all of your fillings and crowns are present and stable as part of your daily dental routine.
Sudden swelling
Swelling of the face, tongue, gum or inner cheek requires urgent medical attention, even if you are in no discomfort.
Though it is unlikely to have a pain free abscess, it is possible under a tooth that has had a root canal, so it is worth checking with a member of our dental team just to be sure. Other possibilities include an allergic reaction or periodontal disease, which need to be identified and treated as soon as possible.
Cracked or chipped tooth
If you are into contact sports or are prone to falling, you may experience a chipped or cracked tooth.
When this occurs, it is vital that you book a same day dental appointment and if possible, save any fragments of teeth in a container, soaking in milk.
A cracked or chipped tooth requires repair and delaying this can lead to the crack or chip deepening. It can also be a gateway for bacteria to attack the pulp of your tooth, which can cause a very unpleasant infection in the long term.
Unusual lumps
If you notice a lump anywhere in your mouth, do not wait until your next check-up.
An unusual lump in your mouth may be indicative of oral cancer, which is more likely if you smoke. Contact our dental team for an emergency appointment as soon as you notice any strange lumps or bumps.