Emergency Dental Care: When to Call Your Dentist

At Sharples Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and sometimes confusing. You may wonder whether your issue requires urgent attention or if it can wait for a routine dental appointment. Here, we’ll guide you on what constitutes a dental emergency and when to call us for expert help.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any issue involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate care to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, or address infection. Common dental emergencies include:

Severe Toothache: Persistent pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medications may indicate an abscess or advanced decay.

Knocked-Out Tooth: Immediate action is vital to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Keep it moist and contact us straight away.

Broken or Cracked Teeth: Large fractures or damage exposing the tooth’s inner layers can lead to infection if left untreated.

Dental Abscess: Swelling, pus, or a fever may signal an infection that needs urgent attention.

If you experience any of the above, it’s crucial to seek professional dental services promptly.

When to Call for an Emergency Dentist Appointment

You should call us to arrange an emergency appointment if you:

• Experience severe pain that interferes with your daily activities or sleep
• Notice excessive swelling in your face, jaw, or gums
• Have suffered an accident that has caused trauma to your mouth
• Encounter bleeding that won’t stop

These are all potential signs of serious dental issues that require immediate attention. Our Bolton-based dental practice offers emergency dentist appointments to address these urgent needs.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

While waiting for your appointment, you can take steps to minimise pain and protect the affected area:

• For severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
• If a tooth is knocked out, place it back in the socket if possible, or store it in milk.
• For bleeding, gently bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to slow the flow.

Avoid self-diagnosing or delaying professional care, as this can worsen the problem.

Emergency Dental Care from Sharples Dental

At Sharples Dental, we’re committed to providing quick, effective dental treatments for emergencies. Whether you’re an NHS or private patient, our compassionate team is here to help. We offer comprehensive dental services to relieve pain and restore your oral health.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can either book your appointment online or via telephone – whichever works best for you. For out of hours emergency appointments, please call our 24/7 dedicated emergency service directly on 0161 300 2099.