
Emergency Dentist Bristol: What to Do When You Have a Dental Emergency
Mar 5
4 min read
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A dental emergency can be painful, distressing, and sometimes even life-threatening. Knowing how to respond can make all the difference in preserving your teeth and reducing complications. If you are in Bristol and need urgent dental care, acting quickly and seeking professional help from an emergency dentist in Bristol is essential.
Recognising a Dental Emergency
Not every dental problem is an emergency, but certain situations require urgent attention.
Severe toothache that does not subside could be a sign of an underlying infection or deep cavity. If you experience persistent pain, you should seek immediate dental care. A knocked-out tooth is another serious emergency, and acting fast increases the chances of saving the tooth. Try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk until you reach a dentist.
Broken or chipped teeth can lead to further complications, especially if the inner pulp is exposed. Seeking treatment quickly can prevent infection and more extensive damage. Losing a filling or crown leaves a tooth unprotected, which may cause discomfort and sensitivity, making prompt dental care necessary.
Swelling or an abscess in the gums could indicate an infection that, if left untreated, can spread to other areas of the body. Uncontrolled bleeding after dental trauma or injury may require urgent medical attention. Lastly, any suspected jaw injury, especially fractures or dislocations, should be evaluated immediately to avoid complications with biting, speaking, or breathing.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Acting fast can protect your oral health and prevent further complications. Here’s what you should do in different emergency situations:
Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and use dental floss to remove any trapped food. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help ease discomfort. However, avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as this can cause irritation. If the pain persists, contact an emergency dentist in Bristol immediately.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water—do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments. Try placing the tooth back into the socket without forcing it. If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep it in milk or a saline solution and seek urgent dental care within an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Clean the area by rinsing with warm water. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. If you have any broken pieces, save them and bring them to your dental appointment. You can also use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover sharp edges and prevent injuries to your tongue or cheeks.
Lost Filling or Crown
To protect the exposed tooth from further damage, keep it clean and use temporary dental cement or sugar-free gum to cover the area. Avoid chewing on the affected side. Booking an appointment with an emergency dentist in Bristol as soon as possible will ensure the filling or crown is properly replaced.
Abscess or Swelling
A swollen face or gums may indicate an infection. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce bacteria, and take pain relief if needed. However, do not attempt to pop the abscess, as this can worsen the infection. Seek urgent dental treatment before the infection spreads.
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bite down on a clean gauze pad to apply pressure. Keep your head elevated to slow blood flow, and avoid rinsing your mouth too frequently, as this can prevent clotting. If bleeding does not stop within 10-15 minutes, seek immediate medical help.
Jaw Injury
Apply a cold compress to help with swelling, and avoid moving your jaw as much as possible. If you suspect a fracture or dislocation, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Where to Find an Emergency Dentist in Bristol
If you experience a dental emergency, getting prompt care is essential. Here’s how you can find help quickly:
Call your regular dentist – Many dental clinics have emergency slots available for existing patients.
Search for an emergency dentist in Bristol – Some dental practices offer urgent care even for non-registered patients.
Contact NHS 111 – If you are unable to find an appointment, NHS 111 can direct you to available emergency dental services.
Visit a hospital A&E – If you have severe facial swelling, trauma, or persistent bleeding, A&E may be the best option.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Emergencies
While some dental emergencies happen unexpectedly, many can be prevented by taking simple precautions:
Maintain good oral hygiene – Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash can keep your teeth healthy.
Visit your dentist regularly – Routine check-ups help detect issues early before they become emergencies.
Wear a mouthguard – If you play contact sports, using a mouthguard can prevent dental injuries.
Avoid chewing hard foods – Hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard sweets can crack or break teeth.
Address dental issues early – Don’t ignore minor discomfort or pain, as untreated problems can worsen over time.
When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?
If you’re unsure whether your issue requires urgent treatment, ask yourself:
Is the pain severe and persistent?
Is there visible swelling in your mouth or face?
Have you lost or broken a tooth?
Is there excessive bleeding that won’t stop?
Is there a risk of infection spreading?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, contact an emergency dentist in Bristol without delay. Seeking treatment early can prevent further complications and reduce the risk of more extensive dental procedures.
Why Choose Windmill Hill Smiles for Emergency Dental Care?
Choosing a trusted emergency dentist in Bristol ensures that you receive fast and effective treatment when you need it most. At Windmill Hill Smiles, we prioritise patient care, providing same-day emergency appointments to help relieve pain and protect your oral health. Our expert team offers a professional, reassuring approach, ensuring that you feel comfortable and well cared for throughout your treatment.
Get Immediate Help from Windmill Hill Smiles
At Windmill Hill Smiles, we understand how stressful and painful dental emergencies can be. That’s why we are committed to providing immediate, high-quality care when you need it most. Our experienced team, state-of-the-art facilities, and patient-focused approach ensure that you receive the best possible treatment in a calm and professional environment.
If you need an emergency dentist in Bristol, don’t wait!
Contact Windmill Hill Smiles today and let us restore your smile with expert care you can trust.