It happens to the best of us. We are going about our daily lives when all of a sudden, we are struck by an overwhelming discomfort under one of our teeth.
While almost everyone is aware of when it is time to visit their GP for routine conditions, or their A&E for emergency conditions, few people know when an emergency dental appointment is needed over a routine check-up.
This presents an obvious problem for both the individual and the dental professional; the prospective patient may end up waiting with an uncomfortable condition for a longer time than necessary and when they finally get to their dental appointment, the dental professional may need to conduct a more serious procedure than initially required.
At Plowman and Partners, we know that nobody wants to be on the receiving end of a dental emergency, but we are able to offer our patients emergency access to our dentist in Marylebone. We will aim to see you on the same day as you contact us, as we know that time is of the essence when you have an urgent dental issue.
But what scenarios warrant an emergency visit to our dentist in Marylebone? Read on to find out about our most commonly seen dental emergencies.
Unmanageable discomfort
Discomfort is subjective but when we discuss emergency dentistry, we are talking about a disruptive pain that does not respond to over-the-counter painkillers and interferes with your day.
It is vital you book an appointment to see our emergency dentist in Marylebone if you are experiencing an unusual level of discomfort; pain that resembles throbbing or burning need to be examined immediately, as this could indicate a dental abscess.
Chipped tooth
A chipped tooth may seem like a minor issue but it requires urgent dental treatment, even if it does not hurt.
A chipped tooth is more prone to cracking or breaking and needs to be seen by a dental professional who can repair cracks in the tooth and restore the chipped area.
Sudden swelling
Swelling in the mouth is usually benign but requires an emergency appointment, especially if it is beginning to impact on your ability to breathe or is painful.
Swelling could indicate an abscess, unerupted teeth or may be a sign of an undiagnosed condition; although disconcerting, it is always worth getting any unusual lumps and bumps looked at.
Lost filling or crown
Fillings and crowns often fall out and it is important that you get to see a dental professional as soon as possible to have them restored.
Delaying a visit to our emergency dental practitioner could expose the pulp of the tooth to bacteria, which could lead to a destructive infection – not worth the risk!
Broken or damaged brace
As hardy as they are, metal braces are not immune to damage.
If you suspect that your brace has become damaged, contact our emergency service immediately; we can assess the damage and temporarily reset the brace, so it is intact when you visit your orthodontist.