When faced with what appears to be a dental emergency, people are unsure of how they should react because they do not know if their issue requires immediate medical attention or not. At the same time, many people struggle to keep calm to act in ways that could save teeth and minimise the discomfort that they find themselves in.

So exactly what should you do in these situations and what measures should you take? Read our Polwarth Dental Clinic guide to dental emergencies and have all your questions answered.

What is considered urgent?

Missing a filling might be daunting for you and make you feel self-conscious, but it does not threaten your oral health in any way. Unless you are in immeasurable pain, you can wait another day to see our emergency dentist in Edinburgh.

If you are suffering from any of the below, book an appointment with your dental practitioner. If the incident or injury occurs outside of our regular working hours, don’t wait for a more convenient time, go to the emergency room at the nearest medical centre and ask to see the dentist today.

• Bleeding that does not stop after a mouth trauma or dental procedure. Like any other bodily injury, keep your mouth elevated while waiting to see the emergency dentist in Edinburgh.
• A permanent tooth that is knocked out or loosened requires immediate attention to avoid losing it.
• Face swelling is a telltale sign of an advanced gum, tooth or bone infection. See your dental practitioner at the earliest possible time to have it treated before it gets worse.
• Unbearable toothache that cannot be relieved with painkillers.

What dental injuries can wait another day

• You have time to repair a dislodged or missing filling, so do not panic if you cannot see the emergency dentist straight away.
• Unless it causes you pain, treating a tooth that is slightly chipped, cracked or broken does not constitute an emergency.
• A broken retainer is nothing to worry about. Have peace of mind knowing your teeth will not shift position overnight.
• Food lodged in your teeth. Although an irritating inconvenience, popcorn kernels lodged in your teeth do not require a trip to the emergency dentist unless you are experiencing extreme discomfort as a result.

How do I find an emergency dentist in my area?

We offer same-day appointments to our patients facing a dental crisis.

However, if you are not in Edinburgh, the best way to avoid scrambling around trying to find a 24-hour dentist that is open is to do some research beforehand. Prepare for the worst because accidents can occur at anytime.

Find an emergency dentist in Edinburgh who offers call-out services for an affordable fee. During your time of crisis, the cost of alleviating your pain might be priceless, but you do not want to be left to pay excessive fees for an unpleasant experience after it has gone.

You cannot plan a dental crisis, but you can prepare in the case of one happening. Protect yourself from pain and expensive dental treatments by discerning between what are serious and non-serious problems, and doing your homework.

Grappling with blinding tooth pain that differs from a niggling toothache can be a terrifying ordeal to endure. The trick is not to panic and make an appointment with our emergency dentist in Edinburgh straightaway.

Such an unpleasant sensation, while abhorrent, does not come out of the blue, but has a cause that could have been prevented by prioritising your oral health and hygiene.

Our emergency dentist in Edinburgh will know how to manage your pain and effectively treat your ailment, but the best way to limit your future trips to the dentist is through self-care. Put your mouth, teeth and gums first in the following ways.

Brush and floss frequently

Take the time to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for two to three minutes. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush so as not to aggravate sensitive gums.

Remember not to restrict your brushing to teeth alone, but also your gums, the roof of your mouth and your tongue. Germs tend to hide in moist, warm spaces such as these.

People make the mistake of not including flossing in their cleaning regime. But contrary to belief, flossing is vital for a healthy mouth because brushing alone is ineffectual in removing germs hiding in the crevices of your teeth.

Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months. If yours is older than that, your teeth and gums are in harm’s way because the brush is no longer efficient in keeping your mouth fresh and clean.

Watch your diet and be mindful about what you bite into

Excess sugar and carbohydrates are not only detrimental for your physical health, but are also harmful to your oral health.

Typically, the saliva your mouth creates washes away most of the food you eat, but cannot defend your teeth and gums if your daily intake of sugar is high.

The germs in your mouth attack your teeth and gums using sugar particles to create a destructive acid that erodes the enamel on your teeth and irritates your gums.

By limiting your sugar, you are protecting your teeth against these ‘sugar’ attacks.

You should also stay away from hard foods. Resist the urge to bite into ice, hard candy, popcorn and other related food that can crack your teeth. A cracked tooth below the gumline grants germs easy entry to the inside of your tooth, which could result in an infected pulp that requires root canal surgery or worse, extraction.

Protect your teeth when playing rugby and other contact sports

Accidents happen, and one hard tackle in rugby could leave you with a few missing teeth that need replacing with artificial ones. To prevent the worst from happening, it is in your best interests to purchase a mouthguard if you enjoy contact sports and outdoor pursuits.

We can custom-design a mouthguard for you or members of your family.

At Polwarth Dental Clinic, our emergency dentist in Edinburgh will see to your needs in a timely manner on the same day as the accident or pain occurring. That said, be sure to save yourself from unnecessary dental troubles and expenses by taking the recommended precautions.

It is hard to identify between dental emergencies and non-dental emergencies. What might seem urgent to you might not be regarded in the same light by our emergency dentist in Edinburgh.

Injuries to the teeth and mouth are, for the most part, non-fatal. But even so, you should not put off seeing our emergency dentist in Edinburgh if you are experiencing intolerable pain or have suffered a traumatic accident.

So what is deemed medically serious? And what conditions can wait until the next day during business hours? Read on for expert advice from our dentist at Polwarth Dental Clinic.

You have knocked out a tooth

A knocked-out tooth constitutes a dental emergency because, in this case, time is of the essence if you want to save your tooth. Ideally, an hour after the accident occurring, you should be in our dentist’s recliner chair having your affected tooth or teeth attended to.

In the time it takes to see our emergency dentist in Edinburgh, do the following:

Pick up the tooth by the crown (part of the tooth you bite with) and not the root. If you accidentally touch the roots, you could damage its tissue and compromise your chances of re-implanting your tooth.

If the tooth is mostly intact, try to reposition it back in the socket if clean. Please only do this to permanent teeth, and not the milk teeth of children.

If it is not possible to put the tooth back where it came from, keep it clean in cold milk, spit on it or hold it in your cheek. Avoid rinsing it with water for longer than ten seconds, and do not scrub the tooth while trying to clean it.

Your tooth is cracked

The type of treatment you require depends on the nature and extent of the damage. You might require a filling, a crown, or in more extreme circumstances; you might need an urgent extraction or a root canal if the tooth has cracked all the way through.

Phone us for a consultation, and we can discuss the best treatment for the dental issue at hand. We have more time if the injury is not accompanied by immense pain. Do not panic if you experience a degree of sensitivity; this is entirely normal.

Bleeding from the mouth

Bleeding from your mouth is not normal and could be indicative of gum disease, a progressive condition that worsens over time if treatment is not sought.

Bleeding a lot after surgery is also cause for concern. If you find this happening to you, call your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Be sure to keep your mouth elevated while waiting to be seen.

A possible gum abscess

A gum abscess looks like a pimple and is a sign of infection; either of the tooth or gums.

Book an appointment with your dental practitioner and make sure not to pop the pimple. In the time it takes to see us, keeps the area as clean as possible by paying particular attention to it while brushing and flossing.

It is hard not to panic when your mouth is in trouble, but knowing the danger signs to look out for can help to preserve your teeth. Our experienced dental team is happy to assist and will fit you in as soon as possible.

When you call following an accident, your emergency dentist in Edinburgh will be able to provide you quick and informative advice to help you get through the time from booking a same day appointment to getting into the practice.

In some instances, what you do between this time can make a huge difference in whether we are able to salvage a knocked out tooth or not. Time is of the essence in these situations, so rest assured that we will place you at the most immediate time slot that is available.

Being an emergency dentist in Edinburgh, we operate in a slightly different way than other dental practices who offer an emergency service. Rather than squeezing in patients in an emergency, patching them up and booking them in for a later date to see to the issue at hand thoroughly, we make sure that we provide our patients with the time that they need in order to rectify the issue during that same day.

This is greatly advantageous for you, as you do not have to be in limbo for several days as you wait for a tooth to be repaired. Rather you are able to understand entirely what the situation is and know that we are doing our utmost to complete the entire process immediately so that your body can focus on healing.

There are of course some complex cases that do not allow us to be able to complete the necessary procedures all on the same day. Rest assured that if you are one of these patients, that we will make sure that you leave our practice as comfortably as possible and with maximum functioning of your tooth as possible.

What happens if I have knocked out a tooth?

There are a few things that we, as an emergency dentist in Edinburgh, would love every one of our patients to know before an accident happens so that they feel prepared and are able to react in the best possible way in those first crucial moments.

What happens in those first few minutes after an accident that has resulted in a lost tooth can determine whether the tooth is structurally sound enough to be reinserted into the mouth. We will always inform the person who has called us what they can do before they reach us at our practice.

If you are able to find the tooth that has been knocked out, try to only handle it at the crown and not touch the delicate roots. Should the tooth be dirty, use saliva or milk to clean it and do not rub or aggressively touch the tooth in any way.

Should the patient be able to place the tooth back into their mouth, then this is the safest place for it to be, just be careful not to swallow it! The next best advice is to store the tooth in a jar of milk.

Water has a tendency to cause the cell walls of the tooth to expand and burst, rendering it not suitable for reimplantation. Milk and saliva are the best substances to use to retain the delicate structure of the tooth.

With some care and attention, you are doing the best you can in making sure that you are improving your chances of saving that tooth.

When it comes to a dental emergency, it is important that we act quickly in order to limit the amount of lasting damage that could be prevented. In particular, if you have knocked out a tooth, we may in fact be able to reinsert the tooth should you follow a few steps to ensure that the structural integrity of the tooth has been preserved.

Every minute counts after an accident, so that is why we offer same day appointments for both registered patients and visitors to our practise who are looking for an emergency dentist in Edinburgh. If you are in pain or have had an accident, then get in touch with us immediately and we can provide you with the quickest appointment time as well is information and advice to help you through until you reach us.

Our team is fully qualified in dealing with any kind of dental emergency that you may have and we aim to rectify the issue during that same day. There are some complex issues that we may not be able to completely fix over the one, same day appointment, but rest assured we will do our absolute best to ensure that you leave our practice with minimal pain and maximum functionality of your mouth.

Unlike other practices that do not have a focused team dedicated to accidents and same day appointments, we are an emergency dentist in Edinburgh, who care passionately about all of our patients and take the time to ensure that you go home with all of your emergencies dealt with and not before.

What happens if my accident is during out of hours?

Not every accident can be so convenient as to happen during the average working day. We can cater for our registered patients who find themselves in need of our assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. We simply advise you to follow the instructions that are left on the answering machine when you call our reception during non working hours.

There is a current callout fee and most of this cost can be claimed back if you are a member with one of our plans. We do our absolute best to assist all of our registered patients as best we can to ensure that your loyalty with us is rewarded. We believe that our rapport with our patients is genuine and sincere. We get to personally know and understand everyone of you who join us and we work together to provide you with the smile that you seek.

For those of you who are not registered with us, we request that you get in touch with the NHS 24 hour hotline on 111. Should you be a non registered visitor to our practice during working hours, then we will always take the time to ensure that we can accommodate you during the same day. Regardless of whether you are registered with us or not, here at your emergency dentist in Edinburgh we will never compromise on quality and care.

A lot of our patients don’t know whether their accident is deemed severe enough to qualify them coming in to visit their emergency dentist in Edinburgh. We would like to take the opportunity to stress to you how important it is to make sure you are looked over by a professional if you have even the slightest hint of doubt as to whether or not you have caused damage.

We will use the latest technology to scan your teeth and jaw to ensure that no lasting or hidden damage has occurred that you do not know about. Emergencies are not always only about knocked out teeth. We encourage you to visit us if you are in any kind of pain, you have an abscess, infection, a chipped tooth or even knocked out crown.

Your emergency dentist in Edinburgh will endeavour to fix the issue during that single same day appointment, allowing you to carry on with your life knowing that everything has been done quickly and effectively to ensure that the problem has been resolved.

There are, of course, instances where we are unable to accommodate this and you may need to return in order to complete your treatment. Such treatments are complex and usually involve several teeth or complicated procedures to restore your tooth to its maximum functionality. You would be surprised to know what we are able to do for you in a single day, given that we are able to dedicate the time that you need for your treatment rather than simply providing you with a quick fix.

Rest assured that regardless of the complexity of your treatment, we will make sure that you walk out of our practice comfortable, in minimal pain and able to use your mouth with some degree of comfort. It really does depend on the situation, but having been in this area of service for so long, we are experienced and knowledgeable in knowing what we can do for you.

Do you have available hours?

We understand that every dental emergency does not follow a timetable. Accidents can happen at any time. This is why we operate on a 24 hour, 365 day policy that ensures we can provide our registered patients full coverage from any dental disaster that may strike, at any time.

Simply follow the instructions that are left on our answering machine here, at your emergency dentist in Edinburgh, if you call out of office hours and you will be directed who our on-call dentist who can see to your complaint quickly. There is a current call out fee which can mostly be claimed back if you are on one of our plans.

Non registered patients who seek assistance out of hours are directed to contact the NHS hotline on 111 for emergency advice.

All registered, non registered and visiting patients are warmly welcomed through our doors during times of emergency and times without. We are dedicated in providing everyone with the best quality service in an understanding and efficient environment.

At Polwarth Dental Clinic, we completely understand that some people may be anxious about visiting the dentist or receiving dental treatment. We feel that we have a responsibility to amend these anxieties, by assuring you that our practice is a calm and safe space to be, and that all treatment, big or small, will be discussed in a serene and professional manner. We do not go ahead with any procedure without consulting the patient about it first. We also provide an emergency dental service, so if you are in need of an emergency dentist in Edinburgh, then Polwarth Dental Clinic is available.

Reasons for nervous patients

At Polwarth Dental Clinic, we understand why dentistry can be a daunting thing to undergo. Dentistry can be rooted in a bad childhood experience, where you may have undergone some unpleasant experiences, during or after treatment. Dental treatment has also made huge improvements in the last decade or so on patient care. If you experienced the dentist during childhood, but not since, you may be unaware of the dedicated care that we offer now. Dentistry can also be seen as invasive and if you are not well acquainted with your dentist, it can be an uncomfortable experience. Appearance can also be affected by dental work, which can be a daunting prospect.

What we can do to solve this

If you need an emergency dentist in Edinburgh, then we will be able to provide this service. However, it is not a frantic or unorganised procedure. The entire process will be calm and collected, and we will work to solve your issue as quickly as possible, while taking into account the anxiety you may have about visiting the dentist. Leaving teeth broken or chipped can be dangerous for your oral health, as the enamel’s protection has been compromised, leaving the softer dentine, and potentially root, exposed to infection.

What if it’s not an emergency, but I still need dental care?

If you don’t need an emergency dentist in Edinburgh, but just a normal check-up, then you are free to book this via our website. However, do not worry if you have not been to the dentist for years, and your teeth are in poor health. At Polwarth Dental Clinic, we approach every single patient with the same warmth, so there is no concern about being ‘told off’ or treated poorly. We completely understand, as dental care can often be time consuming, and costly! However, we do recommend seeing a dentist as soon as possible if you think your mouth may be in poor health.

Is there anything else I can do for reassurance?

Make sure to fully browse our website, and give us a call and let us know that you are a nervous patient. It can also be a great help to your confidence if you visit the practice beforehand, and get to know our staff before you undergo treatment. This can help you get to know dental practice staff without the anxiety of dental treatment.

Polwarth Dental Clinic is an emergency dental clinic, so if you need an emergency dentist in Edinburgh then we are available. Our dental emergency clinic endeavours to solve your dental problem on the very same day you call, however for some complex situations this is not always possible, so we will always make sure you are at least pain free.

How do teeth get “knocked out”?

A tooth being knocked out is referred to as a dental avulsion and is caused when a strong enough blow hits the tooth, tearing the periodontal ligament, which connects the tooth to the bone. Essentially, the tooth has been pulled from its root, without sustaining any damage to the enamel.

Can you put knocked-out teeth back in straight away?

This is possible; however, a successful re-insertion of the teeth can depend on multiple factors. The main concern with a tooth that has been knocked out, is that the root cells are exposed, and are extremely delicate. Even a simple touch can cause them to be crushed, and destroyed, meaning the tooth will not survive. This can be difficult however, as if the tooth falls onto the ground, into the dirt, then it needs to be cleaned. The tooth should always be picked up by the enamel or the crown of the tooth, in order to avoid any contact with the sensitive cells. The tooth must be cleaned with a saline solution, (or saliva if there is none to hand) and inserted gently into the socket.

Is putting a tooth back in easy?

Due to the sensitivity of the cells, and the trauma of dental avulsion, this is not an easy task. If the socket is bleeding, it can not only disrupt the root cells, but also make it difficult to determine where the tooth goes in, especially if multiple teeth have been displaced. Cleaning the teeth without disrupting the root cells can also be challenging.

What do I do if I can put them back in?

If you need an emergency dentist in Edinburgh for this kind of situation, then our emergency dental clinic will be able to provide a solution. The teeth can be stored in a saline solution to best resemble the conditions of the gums. If you do not have any to hand (which is likely) then there are two viable options for a storage solution. The first is the saliva of the owner of the tooth, so spitting into a container to then store the tooth or storing it gently in the mouth. If this is not available, then milk is another option. Do not put the tooth into water, as water and ice will almost instantly destroy the root cells due to the low pH and osmolality. Once stored, locating a dentist as quickly as possible is a priority, as the longer the root cells are exposed, the more will die. Call us if you need an emergency dentist in Edinburgh.

If you need an emergency dentist in Edinburgh, then Polwarth Dental Clinic has an excellent branch that will be able to deal with any situation you might have regarding your teeth. If you have damaged or lost teeth, then we will be able to advise you on what is best for your situation. We understand that any kind of health concern can be traumatic, so we will approach your situation with a calmness and professionalism, in order to get to the root of the problem.

I’ve chipped a tooth, what do I do?

Chipping a tooth can be a painful and upsetting experience. If you find yourself in this situation, then we recommend seeing one of our emergency dentists in Edinburgh as early as possible. If we cannot solve the issue straight away, then we will make sure to relieve you of any pain you might be experiencing.

What solutions are there for a chipped or cracked tooth?

The treatment that your dentist will advise will probably be based on the extent of the damage. Inlays and onlays are often used for large cavities, but can also be used to repair damaged teeth. They work similarly to fillings but restore larger areas of the tooth. If the surface of the enamel is damaged, a veneer can be added. This will not only cover the tooth with a pristine porcelain effect, but also protect the tooth from further damage, as porcelain is extremely durable. Crowns can also provide another excellent solution for damaged teeth.

Crowns

Crowns are an extremely effective way to mend a broken or damaged tooth and are also used to disguise poor looking teeth in cosmetic dentistry, due to their appearance. Our crowns are designed with our very own custom CAD CAM technology, and made from zirconia, which is a porcelain-like material that is extremely strong and durable. Zirconia is also slightly translucent, which means it will absorb light in a very similar way to real teeth. Traditional porcelain crowns can be weaker and not as aesthetically pleasing, as they are opaque, and can appear artificial.

How serious is a cracked or broken tooth?

A cracked or broken tooth can be extremely painful, so the faster you see a dentist, the sooner your pain will be relieved. If you need an emergency dentist in Edinburgh then we will be able to accommodate you. A cracked or broken tooth also opens up the enamel to decay and further damage, so the faster you see the dentist the better. The enamel acts as a protective layer, so if that layer is removed then the tooth is completely exposed. A cracked or broken tooth can also be unsettling for your appearance, and we understand entirely the urgency to fix a broken tooth for this reason. Our emergency dental clinic will assist with not only maintaining your oral health, but in maintaining a smile that you can be proud of.

At Polwarth Dental Clinic we are suitably equipped and staffed to deal with dental emergencies. Don’t suffer pain from a dental emergency needlessly. We urge any patient who has experienced an injury or trauma to the face or pain that cannot be ignored to contact our Emergency Dentist in Edinburgh without delay.

A dental emergency can be a highly stressful and painful situation to deal with. Knowing what to do when such an emergency occurs is helpful in being prepared for it. Seeking critical dental care as soon as possible is critical, whether it is to save a tooth or to relieve pain. Give Polwarth Dental Clinic a call to arrange urgent treatment by our experienced Emergency Dentist in Edinburgh. Here’s further advice on what to do during dental emergencies.

What you should do in a dental emergency situation

1. Take appropriate action

Like in any emergency situation, two very useful skills that apply to dental emergencies are for patients to keep as calm as they possibly can and to take appropriate action. There are many situations that may be defined as dental emergencies, from an adult tooth being knocked out to an injury to gums. The critical thing to do is to seek professional dental care to minimise any complications developing from the situation.

2. Minimise risk of infection by rinsing the mouth with water

One of the main concerns of any facial injury is to protect the area against the risk of infection. This risk can be kept to a minimum by patients rinsing out the mouth with warm water.

3. Apply pressure to the injury site

Should trauma to the face result in bleeding, applying gentle pressure to the injury site will help in two important ways: stop the bleeding and this will then encourage a blood clot to develop sooner.

4. Apply a cold compress

A simple technique to reduce discomfort and swelling following facial trauma is to apply a cold compress – be it a packet of frozen vegetables or ice pack – to the area for a few minutes at a time.

5. Wear a mouthguard

Facial injuries, especially in contact sports, are a common occurrence. Teeth are likely to be fractured or knocked out. To prevent this from happening, we encourage patients to wear a mouthguard to protect teeth and gums.

6. Look after your oral care

Apart from facial injuries that happen unexpectedly, dental emergencies can also be the result of improper dental care. Visiting a dentist regularly and having your teeth and gums examined is one of the best ways to pre-empt preventable dental problems. It is equally important to take note of all instructions provided by our dentist especially with regard to dental care at home.

Patients who look after their oral health put in place the first line of defence against certain types of dental emergencies. For us, at Polwarth Dental Clinic, this means we require our patients to be diligent in brushing and flossing teeth and to schedule appointments for routine cleaning, check-ups and oral screening. For all types of dental care, from routine check-ups to dental emergencies, give us a call.