Dental Emergency
Emergency Dentist In Basingstoke
I have pain in my jaw
Jaw pain can result from various causes, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, teeth grinding, or dental issues. TMJ disorders involve dysfunction of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to pain, stiffness, or clicking sounds. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can contribute to jaw discomfort and headaches. Dental problems like infections or misalignment may also cause jaw pain. Lifestyle factors such as stress or poor posture can exacerbate symptoms. Applying heat or cold packs, practicing jaw exercises, and maintaining good oral hygiene are initial self-care measures. However, persistent or severe jaw pain warrants professional evaluation by a dentist or healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or dental interventions.
It’s not uncommon in jaw pain from tooth and gum infection, sometimes its acute pain started suddenly and gives sleepless night while in some cases initially pain was there and subsides eventually but wake you up at night with an intense pain and pain killers not helping much. The pain usually called referred pain shifting to jaws and head.
Teeth have complex nerve innervation you may not be able to identify the origin of pain, your dentist will help you to find out the root cause of toothache.
Some of the common Signs
- Stiff and sored cheek in morning
- Headache
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dull ache throughout day
Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain often occurs when the third molars, known as wisdom teeth, emerge and there isn't enough space for them to properly align. This can lead to impaction, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Inflammation around the gum tissue, known as pericoronitis, is a common issue with impacted wisdom teeth. Pain may also result from infection, decay, or pressure on nearby teeth and nerves. Over-the-counter pain relievers, oral rinses, and maintaining good oral hygiene can help manage symptoms temporarily. However, persistent or severe pain requires professional evaluation by a dentist, who may recommend extraction if the wisdom teeth are causing ongoing problems. Wisdom tooth pain should not be ignored, as timely intervention can prevent complications.
Infection of wisdom tooth occurs when wisdom tooth only partially break through the gum. Soft tissue growth over a partially erupted wisdom tooth get bacteria trapped. That allows an opening for bacteria to enter gum they multiply and release an acid which causes an infection and inflammation in gums around the erupting wisdom tooth if left untreated it causes pain and swelling. The swelling and infection may extend beyond the jaw to the cheeks and neck.
You can have these signs:
- Pain
- Fever
- Swelling
- Difficulty in opening mouth
- Bad smell from mouth
Toothache
How can I get relief form pain.
A toothache emergency requires prompt attention. Contact your dentist immediately to explain the situation and schedule an emergency appointment. If there's swelling, pus, or fever, seek urgent dental care as it may indicate an infection. Until you can see a dentist, avoid extremely hot or cold foods, and opt for a soft diet. Ignoring a toothache emergency can lead to complications, so swift action is crucial for relief and proper dental care.
Your dentist will do examination of tooth, if required an X-ray or OPG (big X-ray) will be taken to determine the condition of affected tooth. You will be advised for next course of action for toothache.
Please Contact us if you suffering with tooth pain.
What can your dentist do to alleviate the pain?
Your dentist will investigate the root cause of your toothache and give you treatment options.
Reasons behind your toothache
Possible factors may include:
- Cracked tooth
- Decay going deep and starts infecting the root canal(nerve and blood supply) inside of the tooth.
- If you have Clenching/grinding habits put pressure on tooth/teeth.
- Sinus issues
- Dental injury
- Gum disease
If you have dental pain please don’t ignore contact us for early remedy.
Cracked Tooth
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) is a dental condition characterized by small, often microscopic, cracks in a tooth, causing pain when chewing or biting. These cracks are not always visible on X-rays and may be challenging to diagnose. Causes of CTS include teeth grinding (bruxism), large fillings that weaken the tooth structure, trauma, or natural wear and tear over time. The symptoms may include sharp pain while chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, and intermittent discomfort. The cracks can extend through the tooth, reaching the nerve, leading to more severe pain. Treatment for cracked tooth syndrome varies based on the severity of the crack and may involve root canal treatment,, a crown, or in severe cases, extraction. Early detection and intervention by a dentist are essential for managing cracked tooth syndrome effectively.
There are few reasons for crack tooth.
- Grinding or clenching
- Large filling
- Worn-out tooth
Crack tooth pain can be exuberating experience please contact us to investigate the cause.
Broken Filling
Why fillings break-
There are many reasons:
- Weak filling or old filling
- Weak tooth
- Decay beneath filling
- If filling is broken and left untreated for longer period, it can flare up the issue with tooth.
Contact us to help to replace the filling/your dentist will discuss with you what are the other options.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth can result from various factors, including trauma, biting on hard objects, teeth grinding (bruxism), or weakened enamel due to decay. Symptoms often include visible damage to the tooth, sharp edges, pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and potential irritation to the tongue or cheeks. In some cases, the damage may not be immediately visible, but discomfort can still occur. A broken tooth can expose the inner layers, increasing the risk of infection or further damage if left untreated. Treatment options depend on the extent of the damage and may involve filling, veneers, crowns, or, in severe cases, extraction. Seeking prompt dental attention is crucial to prevent complications and restore the tooth's function and appearance.
If a piece of tooth has broken off, put it in milk or saliva (by spitting into a container if it's your tooth, or having your child spit into a container if it's theirs) and take it to a dentist. The dentist may be able to glue the piece of the tooth back on.
Do not go to a GP. They will not be able to give you dental treatment. There are many things your dentist can do to fix it.
If you also need cosmetic intervention to enhance your smile please contact us.
Crown Recement
Why Crown falls out?
Dental crown recementation is a procedure to reattach a crown that has become loose or dislodged. If your crown is loose, it's important to see your dentist promptly to assess the situation. The dentist will examine the crown and the underlying tooth structure to determine the cause of the issue. Common reasons for crown loosening include decay, improper fit, or cement failure. During the recementation process, the dentist cleans the crown and the tooth, then uses dental cement to securely reattach the crown in its proper position. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable bite. If there are issues with the crown's fit or condition, your dentist may recommend a new crown. Regular dental check-ups help detect potential problems early, reducing the likelihood of crown-related issues.
- General wear and tear with time
- The cement is dissolved.
- Poor fitting of crown
- Inadequate tooth preparation
- Not enough tooth structure to hold the crown
- Decayed tooth under crown
- Broken tooth
- Broken post
What are the options and cost of recement?
We will need to do investigation for crown failure and maybe an x-ray will be required to establish the health of the tooth and to determine the cause.
- Most of the time crown recementing is straight forward.
- If tooth has got some damage your dentist may need to put a new core filling or post into the tooth before recementing the crown.
- If your crown cannot be recemented due to extensive decay or crown not fit to recement will we discuss the available options with you.
Regarding the cost- after assessing your tooth and crown we can provide you an estimate. Some crown/bridge recements are simple and straightforward while other are of complex nature. Contact us for your crown issue.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that forms within the teeth or gums, usually due to a bacterial infection. It often results from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma that allows bacteria to enter the inner tooth or the surrounding tissues. Symptoms of a tooth abscess may include severe toothache, throbbing pain, swelling in the face or cheek, fever, and general malaise. The affected tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, and there might be a foul taste in the mouth. As the infection progresses, a pimple-like bump (dental abscess) may form on the gums. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can lead to serious complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body. Immediate dental attention is crucial for draining the abscess, treating the infection, and preserving oral health.
Signs of a dental abscess include:
- Intense toothache or pain in your gums
- Redness inside the mouth, or outside the mouth on the face or jaw
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink in the affected area
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food
- A swollen face or jaw
- A high temperature
If you have these signs, please Contact us for an emergency appointment or A & E.
Facial Swelling
Facial swelling can result from various causes, and when associated with dental issues, it often indicates an infection. Dental abscesses, gum disease, or impacted teeth can lead to swelling. Symptoms include puffiness in the face, redness, warmth, pain, and difficulty in opening the mouth. In severe cases, fever and general discomfort may accompany the swelling.
Dental treatment involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause. For infections, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the spread. Drainage of abscesses may be necessary, and root canal therapy or tooth extraction might be recommended to eliminate the source of infection. Anti-inflammatory medications and cold compresses can help manage pain and swelling. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing such issues.
Prompt dental intervention is essential to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the face or body. If facial swelling is severe, accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical attention.
My face is swollen and in pain.
Take some pain killers for pain relief and book your consultation with dentist to find the reason behind your facial swelling and provide you with your treatment options on urgent basis.
My face swollen and having difficulty in breathing.
This is an extreme dental emergency, and you need to see a dentist as soon as possible, contact us or you need to go to A & E, as an airway constriction due to an abscess/below tongue/neck swelling is a life-threatening situation.
Bleeding/Swollen Gums
Bleeding and swollen gums are often signs of gum disease, specifically gingivitis. The primary cause is the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene, inadequate brushing or flossing, and certain medical conditions contribute to gingivitis. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Additionally, swollen gums may appear shiny and feel puffy.
Other factors such as hormonal changes, smoking, diabetes, or certain medications can exacerbate gum inflammation. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to more severe periodontal disease, leading to potential tooth loss.
Preventive measures include proper oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and a balanced diet. Professional dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar. If you experience persistent bleeding and swollen gums, consult your dentist for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment, which may involve scaling and root planing or other periodontal therapies.
How can I cure my bleeding gums?
Regardless of what you think might be the cause of your bleeding gums, the best thing to do is to contact us and your dentist will investigate the gum health and then advise on the best way to stop your bleeding gums.
Halitosis/Bad Breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, can result from various factors. The most common cause is poor oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to accumulate in the mouth and produce acid to cause bad breath.. Other causes include certain foods, tobacco use, dry mouth, and underlying medical conditions such as gum disease, respiratory infections, or digestive issues. Symptoms involve persistent unpleasant breath odour, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and a dry feeling.
Inadequate saliva flow contributes to halitosis as saliva helps cleanse the mouth. Additionally, systemic illnesses like diabetes or liver and kidney problems can impact breath odour. Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, staying hydrated, and avoiding tobacco are essential for preventing bad breath. If halitosis persists despite these measures, it's crucial to consult a dentist or healthcare professional to identify and address the underlying cause.
What causes bad breath?
There are many causes of bad breath and can be a result of poor oral hygiene and in particular the build-up of plaque bacteria in between and around your teeth. This is because as these bacteria breaks down tiny pieces of food in your mouth it can release a gas with an unpleasant odour. This plaque bacteria can also cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Or you may have broken filling causing food debris get trapped.
How to get rid of bad breath?
There are many factors which causes halitosis, please Contact us, your dentist will do investigation and advice you treatment options.
Loose Tooth
A loose tooth emergency can be caused by various factors, primarily trauma, advanced gum disease, or untreated tooth decay. Trauma from accidents or injuries can loosen a tooth by damaging its supporting structures. Gum disease weakens the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth, leading to mobility. Untreated cavities can also compromise the tooth's stability. Symptoms include noticeable movement or shifting of the tooth, pain, discomfort while eating, and potential bleeding from the gums.
Immediate causes may include sudden impact or injury, but chronic conditions like gum disease contribute over time. Seeking prompt dental attention is crucial to evaluate the extent of damage, stabilize the tooth, and address the underlying issue. Delayed treatment increases the risk of tooth loss. Until seen by a dentist, avoid putting pressure on the loose tooth and maintain gentle oral hygiene practices.
What cause the loose tooth?
The bone support around tooth root is essential helps in holding your tooth in position, if bone support is not enough left tooth gradually becomes lose. This may be due to dental trauma or gum disease.
Can I get same day tooth replacement?
Subject to a clinical assessment it is possible to have replacement same day.
These are the few options:
- Partial Denture
- Bridge
- Implant
- Reattachment of your tooth
Your dentist will do investigation to ascertain what is causing factor to book your appointment contact us.
Dental Trauma/Injury
Dental trauma, often resulting from accidents or injuries, can lead to various issues. Causes include falls, sports injuries, automobile accidents, or physical altercations. Symptoms depend on the nature of the trauma but may involve pain, bleeding, chipped or fractured teeth, or complete tooth avulsion (knocked out). Bruising or swelling of the face and gums may also occur.
Immediate treatment is crucial. If a tooth is knocked out, try to gently reinsert it into the socket, or store it in milk or saliva and seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes. For chipped or fractured teeth, save any broken pieces, rinse the mouth with warm water, and see a dentist promptly. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and a cold compress can help reduce swelling.
Dental professionals may perform X-rays to assess damage, provide necessary repairs like bonding or crowns, or recommend further treatments such as root canal therapy. Quick intervention enhances the chances of preserving teeth and minimizing long-term complications.