When experiencing severe tooth pain or dental injuries, the immediate action to take is seeking emergency dental care. In Bournemouth, the procedures for accessing emergency dental care can vary depending on the time of the incident, severity of the condition, and your specific healthcare provider. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can navigate accessing emergency dental care within this beautiful coastal resort town.
The first step in accessing emergency dental care in Bournemouth is identifying your dental emergency. The severity of the dental issue can differ greatly and range from severe toothache, cracked or broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, to conditions such as abscessed tooth or oral infections. The definitive sign that you need emergency dental care is persistent and severe pain. However, other cases may include bleeding, swelling, loose dental filling or crown, and gum infections.
Once you have identified your dental emergency, the second step involves calling or visiting your dentist. It is advisable to consult with your dentist before rushing to an emergency room unless it’s a severe case like uncontrollable bleeding, severe swelling, or trauma. Most dental emergency dentist bournemouth practices in Bournemouth have provisions for emergency appointments throughout the day. Be it Shelley Manor Dental, Charminster Dental Practice, or Southbourne Grove Dental Practice; all you need to do is make that important call. Always ensure your dental service provider is aware of your emergency to facilitate fast and effective treatment.
However, if your dental emergency occurs out-of-hours or during public holidays and your dentist office is closed, fret not! Bournemouth is adequately equipped with dental facilities offering 24/7 emergency dental services. Emergency dental clinics such as 740 Dental and Bournemouth Emergency Dentist are accessible at all times and offer immediate professional care.
In cases where you cannot access a dentist, the Accident and Emergency Department at the Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also offers emergency dental care services. The dental specialists at the hospital are well equipped to handle a range of dental emergencies. However, this option should remain as your last resort unless the situation is critical because emergency departments often prioritize life-threatening conditions.
Meanwhile, if you are an NHS patient and your dental emergency occurs out-of-hours, you may call the NHS urgent care helpline on 111. The helpline provides information and advice on local services available during the night, weekend, or public holidays.
While you wait to see the dentist, there are home remedies you can apply for temporary relief. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can soothe the pain, and over-the-counter pain relievers may also help. However, remember that these solutions are temporary and cannot replace the need for professional dental care.
In conclusion, accessing emergency dental care in Bournemouth is easy and efficient due to the presence of numerous dental clinics and the NHS services. However, prevention is better than cure. It’s best to maintain regular dental check-ups and timely treatments to avoid the occurrence of dental emergencies. Moreover, always keep your dentist’s contacts at your fingertips. Dental emergencies can be severely painful and, in some cases, life-threatening, thus the need for immediate attention and professional help.