When to call the emergency dentist

If you need an emergency dentist in Downham Market, call us today on 01366 382265. We offer same-day emergency dental appointments whenever possible, so do call us as soon as an urgent situation arises.

Dental emergencies can be traumatic and painful. There are several reasons you may need an emergency dentist – below are some common situations, along with what your dentist may do.

Unbearable toothache

Pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong, and dental pain can be severe. Even a mild toothache should never be ignored, because the chances are it’s only going to get worse. For mild tooth pain, or toothache that comes and goes, you should book the next available appointment with your dentist. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can help in the short-term.

If the painkillers fail to work, or the pain becomes unbearable, it’s time to call the emergency dentist. At Downham Market Dental Care we will never leave a patient in pain. Sometimes, if your tooth is infected or badly damaged, you will need at least one more appointment to fully cure your condition, but we will make sure we get you out of pain at the first appointment.

Knocked-out tooth

Sometimes you can reinsert a lost tooth into the socket yourself. Only touch the crown part of the tooth, clean it with saliva if necessary, and after putting it in the socket bite down on a clean paper towel for 15-20 minutes and call the emergency dentist.

If you can’t put it back in yourself (never force it) clean it with saliva and put it in a container covered in milk, then take it to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to put it back and will strap it to the surrounding teeth temporarily for support.

Should the tooth be lost entirely or too damaged to reimplant, a dental bridge or implant may be required.

Never try to put a child’s milk tooth back in the socket, because doing so can damage the adult tooth developing beneath. Instead bring your child to the dental practice straight away.