7 Signs You Need to Visit an Emergency Dentist in Folkestone
Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly and require immediate professional attention. At Providence Dental Practice, with over 50 years of serving the Folkestone community, we understand the importance of prompt emergency dental care. Knowing when to seek emergency treatment can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here are seven critical signs that indicate you need immediate dental attention. Severe Toothache A severe toothache that suddenly develops or persistently worsens can indicate serious underlying issues. This pain might be accompanied by pressure sensitivity, throbbing, or sharp sensations. While mild tooth discomfort can sometimes wait for a regular appointment, intense pain requires immediate attention. The pain could signal an abscess, severe decay, or infection that needs urgent dental care. Broken Tooth A broken tooth requires immediate attention, especially if the break is significant or causes pain. Whether from an accident, sports injury, or biting something hard, tooth fractures can expose sensitive inner layers, leading to infection if not treated promptly. Our emergency dental team can evaluate the damage and recommend appropriate treatment, from composite bonding to crown placement. Excessive Bleeding Gums While minor gum bleeding during brushing might be common, excessive bleeding gums that won’t stop require emergency attention. Uncontrolled bleeding could indicate serious gum disease, injury, or other health conditions. If you experience persistent bleeding accompanied by pain or swelling, don’t wait to seek treatment.The Folkestone gum clinic team at Providence Dental can help identify the cause and provide the right treatment. Gum Swelling Significant gum swelling can indicate a serious infection or abscess. This swelling might be accompanied by pain, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth. Without prompt treatment, dental infections can spread to other parts of your body, potentially becoming life-threatening. Our emergency dental services in Folkestone can address the underlying cause and prevent complications. Missing Crown A missing crown leaves your tooth vulnerable to damage and decay. If you lose a crown, it’s important to seek emergency dental care to protect the underlying tooth structure. While waiting for treatment, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Facial Swelling and Trauma Severe facial swelling with pain requires immediate dentist emergency treatment. This could indicate a serious infection or injury that needs urgent attention. If you experience sudden swelling, especially if it affects your breathing or swallowing, seek immediate care. Quick intervention can prevent the spread of infection and more serious complications. Knocked-Out Tooth If a tooth gets completely knocked out, time is critical. While preserving the tooth in milk or saliva, seek emergency dental care immediately. With prompt professional attention within the first hour, there’s a chance to save and re-implant the tooth successfully. Store the tooth carefully and avoid touching the root portion while seeking immediate treatment from our Folkestone dental team. Remember, when experiencing any of these seven signs, don’t wait to seek treatment. Delayed care can lead to more serious complications and potentially more extensive and costly treatments. Contact Providence Dental Practice immediately if you experience any dental emergency. Our experienced team is here to help restore your oral health and relieve your pain as quickly as possible. Why Choose Providence Dental? At Providence Dental Practice, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and frightening. Our dedicated team is committed to providing prompt, effective emergency dental care to our Folkestone community. We maintain time slots specifically for emergency cases, ensuring we can accommodate urgent dental needs quickly. Our modern facility is equipped with the latest dental technology, allowing us to diagnose and treat emergency cases efficiently. Whether you’re a regular patient or new to our clinic, we provide the same high level of emergency care to everyone who needs it. We also believe in the importance of follow-up care after emergency treatment. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and prevent future emergencies. For emergency dental situations during office hours, call our practice immediately. We’ll provide guidance on immediate steps to take and arrange to see you as soon as possible. Your oral health is our priority, and we’re here to help when you need us most. Frequently Asked Questions Q: How can I manage dental pain before seeing an emergency dentist? A: While waiting for your emergency appointment: ● Rinse with warm salt water ● Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling ● Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed ● Avoid extremely hot or cold foods ● Keep the area clean Q: How soon should I seek emergency dental care for a severe toothache? A: Contact us immediately if you experience severe tooth pain, especially if accompanied by swelling or fever. The sooner you receive urgent dental care, the better the outcome is likely to be. Q: What should I do if I have uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth? A: Apply direct pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding doesn’t slow within 15 minutes, seek immediate emergency care. Persistent bleeding could indicate a serious condition requiring urgent attention. Q: How can I prevent dental emergencies? A: To minimize the risk of dental emergencies: ● Wear a mouth guard during sports activities ● Avoid chewing ice, hard sweets, or other hard objects ● Maintain regular dental check-ups ● Address dental issues promptly before they become emergencies ● Practice good oral hygiene Q:how soon should a dentist see you in an emergency? A: You should be seen as soon as possible — ideally immediately or within the same hour in cases like a knocked-out tooth or uncontrolled bleeding. Providence Dental reserves time slots specifically for emergency cases to ensure prompt care. Q:What should I do before reaching the emergency dentist? A: These first-aid steps can help manage pain or bleeding until professional care: ● Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling ● Take over-the-counter pain relief (following directions) ● Use clean gauze or cloth to apply pressure if there’s bleeding ● Avoid very hot or cold foods ●Try not to chew on the
Top 10 Common Dental Problems and Expert Tips to Prevent Them
Let’s face it – nobody wants dental problems! But knowing what to watch out for can save you a lot of hassle and pain down the road. Here at Providence Dental Practice, we’ve pretty much seen it all when it comes to teeth troubles. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache or just want to keep your pearly whites in top shape, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our rundown of the top 10 dental problems you might face, plus some handy tips to help you avoid them. Tooth Decay A prevalent dental issue affecting people of all ages, tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel. It is also known as dental caries or dental cavities. Prevention requires regular brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary foods. Our experienced dental team recommends using fluoride toothpaste and maintaining regular check-ups to catch decay early. Early signs include sensitivity, visible holes, or dark spots on teeth. Gum Disease Gum disease, or Periodontal Disease begins with gingivitis and can progress to more serious periodontal conditions if left untreated. Signs include bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum recession. Prevention involves thorough daily oral hygiene practices and professional cleanings. Regular screenings can help detect early signs before they develop into more serious conditions. Tooth Sensitivity Your teeth become sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks when the enamel is worn away and the dentin is exposed. The dentin has tubes that lead to the nerve deeper inside the tooth. Hot or cold substances can travel along the tubes to the nerve and cause intense pain. Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, can be caused by tooth decay. Using desensitising toothpaste and maintaining good oral hygiene can help manage this condition. Tooth Erosion Enamel or tooth erosion is a condition that develops very slowly and leaves teeth both discoloured and rounded-looking. Its primary cause is consuming plenty of sugary and acidic foods such as soda and sweets over a long period of time. A rare cause is brushing your teeth too often, too hard, and too long. We recommend cutting back on very sweet and acidic foods. Using toothbrushes with softer bristles helps, too. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor erosion levels and prevent further damage. Bad Breath Bad breath or halitosis is one of the most common dental problems. It is also among the most distressing. One or more of the foods you eat could also be the cause of your halitosis. Spices such as garlic and onion are common culprits. Persistent bad breath often indicates underlying dental issues. Regular professional cleanings, proper brushing technique, and tongue cleaning can help maintain fresh breath. Since the causes of bad breath are so varied, your dentist will do a complete assessment and prescribe a course of action that best suits your case. Cracked Teeth Cracked teeth can result from injury, grinding, or biting hard objects. Prevention includes wearing mouth guards during sports and avoiding chewing ice or hard sweets. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent further damage. Misaligned Teeth Misaligned teeth can affect both appearance and oral health. At Providence Dental, we offer various teeth straightening options to address this common concern. Modern orthodontic solutions can help achieve a straighter smile while maintaining comfort and aesthetics. Missing Teeth Missing teeth can impact your ability to eat and speak properly while affecting your confidence. We provide comprehensive solutions, including dental implants and bridges, to restore your smile. Early intervention can prevent additional complications like bone loss and shifting teeth. Oral Cancer Regular screenings for oral cancer are crucial for early detection. Our thorough dental examinations include oral cancer screening as standard practice. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Root Canal Infection The base or root of your tooth can become infected and swollen with bacteria. This most often happens because of cavities, cracks, or fractures in the tooth. Root infection can lead to damaged tissues and nerves of the tooth, and eventually to the development of abscesses. A root canal infection can cause severe pain and requires immediate attention. Regular check-ups help identify potential issues before they become severe. Modern root canal treatments are much more comfortable than in the past. Why Choose Providence Dental? At Providence Dental Practice, our experienced team of dental professionals is committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health. We provide comprehensive dental care in a welcoming environment, ensuring that each patient receives personalised attention and treatment. We understand that dental visits can be anxiety-inducing for some patients, which is why we’ve created a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere in our Folkestone town centre location. Our team takes the time to explain procedures and answer any questions you may have about your oral health. Prevention is always better than cure. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular check-ups, you can avoid many common dental problems. If you’re experiencing any of these dental issues or are due for a check-up, contact Providence Dental Practice today to schedule an appointment with our caring team. Frequently Asked Questions Q: How often should I visit the dentist for check-ups? A: We recommend visiting Providence Dental every six months for routine check-ups and professional cleaning. However, some patients may need more frequent visits based on their oral health needs. Q: How can I prevent cavities? A: To prevent cavities: ● Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste ● Floss daily ● Maintain a balanced diet low in sugary foods ● Attend regular dental check-ups ● Consider preventive treatments like dental sealants Q: What’s the best way to brush my teeth? A: Use a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush gently in circular motions for at least two minutes, ensuring you clean all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue! Q: Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? A: Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque, especially for people with limited mobility. However, proper technique matters more than the type of toothbrush
