Blog

Emergency Dental Care: What You Need to Know

Dental emergencies can happen suddenly and without warning — a knocked-out tooth, intense pain, or swelling can disrupt your day and even pose a risk to your overall health. If you need an emergency dentist in Oxford at Summertown Dental & Implants, we understand how distressing dental emergencies can be. That’s why we offer compassionate, swift, and expert emergency dental care to help you get back to feeling your best as quickly as possible.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue requires immediate attention, but some signs indicate a genuine emergency. These include:

• Severe toothache or facial pain
• Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
• Knocked-out or dislodged tooth
• Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth (especially with pain or bleeding)
• Excessive bleeding from the mouth
• Infection or abscess (may present with swelling, fever, or a bad taste)
• Lost fillings, crowns, or bridges causing pain or exposure

If you’re unsure whether your situation is urgent, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Contact our practice, and we’ll guide you accordingly.

What Services Are Provided in a Dental Emergency?

At Summertown Dental & Implants, we provide comprehensive emergency dental services to address both pain and underlying causes. These may include:

• Pain relief and infection management
• Tooth extraction if the damage is too severe
• Temporary or permanent fillings or crowns
• Reattachment of knocked-out teeth (if brought in promptly)
• Treatment for gum or soft tissue injuries
• Drainage of abscesses and prescription of antibiotics

Our goal is to relieve discomfort quickly and prevent further damage or complications.

Why Choosing the Right Dentist in an Emergency Matters

In a dental emergency, time is critical — but so is quality care. Choosing an experienced, responsive, and well-equipped dental practice like Summertown Dental & Implants ensures:

• Prompt appointments and compassionate care
• Access to modern diagnostic tools and treatments
• Skilled clinicians who can make the right decisions under pressure
• Continuity of care, should follow-up be needed

As a trusted name in Oxford dentistry, our team is ready to support you through any dental crisis with empathy and expertise.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Here are some practical steps you can take before arriving at the practice:

• Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gums.
• Knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown, rinse gently (don’t scrub), and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Get to the dentist within 30 minutes.
• Broken tooth: Save any pieces, rinse your mouth, and use gauze to stop bleeding if needed.
• Swelling or abscess: Apply a cold compress and seek urgent care. Do not try to drain it yourself.

Contact Us

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call Summertown Dental & Implants immediately on 01865 558822 or email for more information. We’re here to provide fast, effective relief when you need it most.