Dental emergencies happen at any time of the night or day.They can be the result of a sudden trauma or develop over time. Thankfully most dental emergencies are not usually life threatening, unlike medical emergencies.

If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Edinburgh, you can find one here at Polwarth Dental Clinic. This service is available to both registered and non-registered patients during our regular practice hours. We also offer our registered patients an out of hours service that is available 365 days of the year. If you are not registered as a patient with us you are advised to call the NHS helpline on 111 for out of hours advice and treatment. They will be able to advise you where to find an emergency dentist in Edinburgh.

When you really must see a dentist

Many dental emergencies are painful and unpleasant, but some are more serious than others. If left untreated, severe infections and abscesses in your gums, teeth or the jaw can be fatal. You should therefore contact your dentist immediately for advice and an emergency appointment.

Tooth pain can be caused by food which has become trapped between your teeth. It is sometimes possible to relieve the pain by using dental floss to dislodge the offending matter. You may find that your gums bleed when you floss or clean them – this is not a dental emergency. However you should seek advice and treatment from your dentist.

Still bleeding after a tooth extraction?

If you’ve hada tooth removed, you will be advised what to do for the first 24 hours. You will need to rest and avoid doing anything strenuous during this time.You should also take care when eating and drinking. Hot drinks can affect the wound and you probably won’t feel like eating much, but if you do choose soft foods that are easy to swallow without too much chewing.

Avoid the temptation to rinse your mouth out or to try and brush the area.Use the dental swabs provided to put gentle pressure on the site of the wound. Sleep with your head higher than your heart, and if the bleeding continues contact your dentist for further advice.