Toothache
Toothache can occur at any time, and due to a variety of reasons. It generally tends to be more severe as you are about to rest or go to sleep, but generally it is very unpleasant and results in loss of sleep, the ability to concentrate and function. It is important to have the cause of the toothache assessed immediately, in order to diagnose the cause and to prevent any infection or problem from becoming more aggressive. If left untreated, it is unlikely that it will disappear, and more than likely will become more severe.
Common causes include:
Dental decay
Lost fillings
Broken teeth
Cracked teeth
Dental infections
Reinfection of previously root filled teeth
Wisdom teeth
Sometimes your toothache may be accompanied very quickly with a swelling. It is important that you do not ignore this and see a dentist straight away.
What do I do?
Arrange to see a dentist straight away. If you cannot do this call our emergency dentist straight away, who will offer you an appointment immediately.
020 8245 7575 OR 077 8958 3576. The number is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What will the dentist do?
When you attend, the dentist will initially check your medical history. The next step is a thorough assessment of the cause of your pain. This may include x-rays. Once the source of the pain or problem has been diagnosed the dentist will explain their findings to you, and discuss the possible treatment options.
What are the possible treatment options?
This is really dependent upon the cause of the pain and the patient’s preferences.
Most often, if there is severe pain, it is likely that there may be an underlying inflammation of the blood and nerve supply of the tooth. Sometimes it may be possible to “calm” the inflammation down.
In other cases the inflammation is irreversible, and it may be necessary to start root canal treatment or if you wish, have the tooth extracted. Starting root canal treatment in most cases often relieves the pain almost immediately in theses cases.
Lost fillings and broken teeth can usually be repaired. The pain from these conditions are often of the sensitivity type, but left untreated can cause the tooth to become infected- causing severe pain.
Cracked teeth can cause varying types of discomfort, and it is generally dependent upon the degree of the crack. If the crack does not extend to the blood and nerve supply of the tooth, then it may be possible to remedy the situation with a laboratory made filling (onlay) or crown. If the crack extends to the nerve and blood supply, then you may require root canal treatment first. In rare circumstances the crack may extend to the roots, and in these cases the prognosis is quite poor- extraction may be the only viable option.
Teeth that have had previous root canal treatment may some times become reinfected. It is important that we assess the cause(s) of the reinfection. The treatment options are really dependent upon whether the patient wishes to save the tooth, as it is often possible to have root canal treatment redone. If the infection is particularly large, you may be prescribed medication. Alternatively, you may elect, or be advised to have the tooth removed.
Treatment of wisdom tooth pain is really dependent upon the underlying cause of the pain, and the number of times you may have had the pain. If the pain exists as a result of underlying decay, then it may be more appropriate to consider extraction. If the pain is a result of an infection (and his may be accompanied with difficulty in opening of the mouth, swelling, and radiating pain to the ear), then it is important to allow the dentist to discuss the options with you- initially you may require medication.
Swellings
Swellings can arise due to a variety of reasons, and some times can become very large very quickly. Do not ignore swellings- it means something is wrong, and they can, if left untreated, end up with the patient in hospital!
Why do they happen?
Dental infections, broken teeth, infected wisdom teeth, trauma and infected gums are common causes.
What do I do?
You must contact the dentist immediately. If you cannot find one please call 020 8245 7575 OR 077 8958 3576 where an appointment with an emergency dentist can be arranged for you.
What will the dentist do?
If the swelling in the dentist’s opinion is controllable and if your symptoms and history do not suggest a rapidly spreading infection, then you may be prescribed a combination of antibiotics. In rare circumstances the patient may be referred to hospital.
Crowns and Bridges
These will have been placed to protect teeth that were heavily restored and/or to replace missing teeth. If they have decemented, then it is important to have them recemented in order to help prevent the underlying tooth from becoming painful or infected. In addition they will restore your chewing, and possibly aesthetics.
If you are having pain from under a crown or bridge, it is possible that the supporting tooth has already become infected. It is imperative that this is not ignored and you must see a dentist straight away. Call the emergency dentist on 0208245 7575.
If you have lost your crown or bridge it is usually possible to fabricate a temporary solution, or to make a new one.
Trauma
Unfortunately, accidents can happen at any time, whether it is a trip or a fall, or if you have been unlucky enough to be assaulted.
Your teeth may be broken, knocked out, displaced or loose. All of these require immediate emergency treatment as the overall success is dependent upon how quickly you receive care.
What do I do?
Call the emergency dentist on 020 8245 7575 OR 077 8958 3576, and arrange an immediate appointment.
If your tooth has been knocked out or you have chipped off a fragment then store it carefully in milk, contact lens solution or in your cheek. It is important it is kept clean but do not scrub it or wash it with detergent.
Depending upon the extent of the injury you may find it difficult to close your mouth. This may be an indication of a displaced tooth or a fractured jaw. You must see the dentist straight away.
What will the dentist do? Time is of the essence.
After a thorough history and examination, the dentist will discuss the possible options.
A chipped or broken tooth can generally be repaired, sometimes it is possible to reattach the broken fragment, if not then a cosmetic filling may be placed. If the nerve of the tooth is involved or exposed, then further treatment may be required.
Teeth that have been knocked out can generally be replanted, a splint may have to be placed (like a brace) to maintain the position of the tooth and to allow healing.
Teeth that have been displaced or are loose as a result of trauma can often be manipulated back into position. As with knocked out teeth, you will require splinting.