General dentistry: when to call the emergency dentist

If you need an emergency dentist in Banbury, contact Amsel & Wilkins now on 01295 230899. Whenever possible we will see emergency cases on the same day, so you should call the practice as early as possible to maximise your chances of being seen that day. However, we are also aware that dental emergencies don’t operate on a nine-to-five schedule, so we have an emergency dentist on call every day. We will whenever possible treat all emergency patients within 24 hours.

emergency-dentistWhat constitutes a dental emergency, and what your dentist may do

Numerous things can be classed as a dental emergency, from lost or broken teeth to sudden and unexplained toothache. Below are some common dental emergencies, and what your Banbury dentist may do to rectify the situation. . .

Severe toothache (with or without swelling)

Dental pain can be severe, and can come on suddenly or can be a nagging pain that slowly gets worse. Pain is the body’s way of indicating something isn’t right, and should never be ignored. Even a mild toothache should bring you to the dental practice for a general dentistry check-up.

When pain is severe and cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, you need to see an emergency dentist. At our Banbury clinic we will never leave a patient in pain. You may need to come back for further treatment (such as root canal therapy) to fully fix the problem, but we will make sure we get you out of pain in the short term.

Broken teeth

Injuries to the head and face can result in broken teeth. Even small chips and cracks need to be seen by a dentist as soon as possible, because they are enough to allow bacteria to enter your tooth, which can cause serious complications.

Depending on the nature and extent of the damage, and the location of the affected tooth, your dentist may be able to fix the damage with composite bonding (white filling material), a filling, crown, onlay, inlay, or veneer.

Tooth knocked out

Your dentist may be able to reimplant the tooth in the socket. If you still have the tooth, ensure you only touch the crown (visible part) and keep it in a clean container covered either in your own saliva or milk until you can see the dentist. You may use clean, running water to rinse off surface dirt, but to not store the tooth in water.

The importance of general dentistry for all the family

General dentistry is important to every member of the family, at all stages of life. From young toddlers whose first teeth are starting to appear to elderly grandparents who wear dentures, it is essential to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

general-dentistryAt Amsel & Wilkins dental practice in Banbury, we provide general dental care to patients of all ages. We welcome new patients for general dentistry consultations, whatever your concern and whatever the current condition of your oral health.

The focus is firmly on preventative dentistry at our Banbury dental practice, which means ideally stopping problems before they start – and treating them promptly if anything does occur.

Various age groups can have specific dental needs, so our general dentistry will be tailored to suit your individual requirements.

Children

We believe children should visit the dentist from a young age, ideally soon after their teeth start to erupt. This is beneficial for several reasons. First, early visits to the practice (perhaps with a parent or sibling) help to acclimatise your child to the environment, and learn to see the dentist as a friendly face. This can help to prevent dental phobia in later life, and encourage long-term good oral health.

Secondly, it is essential in the battle against tooth decay. Fissure sealants and fluoride varnish will strengthen and protect your children’s teeth, whilst hygiene advice can be provided in a fun, engaging, age-appropriate manner. Thirdly, your dentist will be able to spot early warning signs of orthodontic issues such as crossbite, alleviating the need for more extensive treatment at a later stage.

Teenagers

We welcome teenagers for orthodontic treatment, and offer a number of subtle methods of teeth straightening, which can be hugely beneficial during the self-conscious teenage years.

Pregnant women

Some pregnant women are more prone to developing gum disease because of increased levels of the hormone progesterone. Acid erosion can also be caused by morning sickness, leading to sensitive teeth. Your dentist can help you to manage these conditions.

Older people

For older patients in need of tooth replacement, we offer a wide selection of treatments including bridges, dentures, and dental implants.