Emergency dentist treatment

When Should You See an Emergency Dentist? 5 Clear Signs

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Toothache can sometimes wait for a routine appointment, but in other cases, the pain or problem is too severe to ignore. That’s when you may need to see an emergency dentist. Knowing the difference can help you get the right care quickly and avoid more serious complications.

Here are five clear signs it’s time to book an emergency dental appointment.

Book an Emergency Appointment at Riverdale

1. Severe or Persistent Toothache

Mild sensitivity can usually wait, but if you have pain that is intense, throbbing, or keeping you awake at night, it’s a sign something isn’t right. Severe toothache may be caused by infection, decay, or an abscess, all of which need urgent treatment.

2. Swelling in the Face or Gums

If you notice swelling around a tooth, in your gums, or even in your face or jaw, it could point to infection. Left untreated, infections can spread quickly and cause serious health risks. A call to an emergency dentist near you is essential if you notice sudden or painful swelling.

3. A Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical if you’ve lost a tooth through an accident or injury. Seeing a dentist within an hour gives the best chance of saving the tooth. In the meantime, gently rinse it in milk or saliva, avoid touching the root, and try to keep it moist until your urgent dental care appointment.

4. Broken, Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Not every chip needs immediate attention, but if your tooth has broken and is causing pain, cutting your tongue or cheeks, or exposing sensitive inner layers, it counts as a dental emergency. Your dentist can smooth, fill, or restore the tooth depending on the severity.

5. Lost Fillings, Crowns or Dental Work

When a crown, filling, or bridge falls out, it can leave your tooth vulnerable and painful. Even if it doesn’t hurt straight away, exposed teeth are more prone to damage and infection. An emergency dental appointment helps protect the tooth until a permanent solution is in place.

When to Go Straight to A&E

While most urgent issues can be handled by an emergency dentist, you should go to A&E immediately if:

  • You’re experiencing heavy, uncontrolled bleeding.
  • You have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing.
  • You’ve had serious trauma to the face or jaw.

Our practices provide same-day and next-day appointments for patients in need of urgent help. Whether it’s severe toothache, swelling, or a lost crown, our team is here to provide fast and effective care when you need it most.

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How Do Dentists Treat Gum Disease?

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Gum disease ranges from gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums) to periodontitis (where the supporting bone is affected). It’s common – but treatable – when caught early. If your gums bleed when brushing or you have persistent bad breath, it’s time to book a check-up so a clinician can assess and plan the right gum disease treatment for you.

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The Step-by-Step Approach Dentists Use

Modern periodontal treatment follows a structured, evidence-based, four-step pathway. Your dentist or hygienist will tailor these steps to you.

Step 1: Build the Foundations

  • Assessment & coaching: exam, gum measurements, X-rays if needed; guidance on brushing technique and interdental cleaning (usually interdental brushes; floss for tight gaps).
  • Risk factor control: support for smoking cessation and diabetes control if relevant.
  • Professional cleaning above the gumline to remove plaque and calculus and set you up for success at home.

This first phase focuses on behaviour change and professional cleaning; for some with gingivitis, this alone resolves the problem.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning Under the Gums

If pockets remain, your dentist will carry out subgingival instrumentation (often called root surface debridement or “deep cleaning”) under local anaesthetic. This removes plaque and calculus from root surfaces you can’t reach at home. 

Expect some short-term tenderness; results are reviewed after healing. Routine antibiotics aren’t usually needed; short courses or local antimicrobials are reserved for specific cases.

Step 3: Managing Non-Responding Areas (and When Surgery Helps)

If some deep pockets persist, options include repeating targeted deep cleaning or, where appropriate, periodontal surgery (for example, access flap procedures or regenerative techniques) typically performed by dentists with additional training or periodontists. The aim is to reduce pocket depths and make areas cleanable at home.

Step 4: Maintenance to Keep Gums Healthy

Long-term success relies on supportive periodontal care: regular reviews (often every 3–12 months, tailored to your risk) with professional cleaning and ongoing home-care coaching. This step maintains stability and catches any recurrence early.

What You Can Do at Home (That Really Helps)

  • Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste; spit, don’t rinse.
  • Clean between teeth daily – interdental brushes are usually first choice; floss for tight gaps.
  • Avoid mouthwash straight after brushing (it washes away fluoride).
  • Don’t smoke, and keep medical conditions like diabetes well controlled.

These habits reduce bleeding and help treatment work.

Are Antibiotics Needed?

Antibiotics aren’t usually needed. For most people, professional cleaning plus great home care is the cornerstone of dentist gum treatment. Systemic antibiotics are not recommended routinely and are considered only in particular situations (for example, certain aggressive presentations) or acute infections. Short-term antiseptics (like chlorhexidine) may be used selectively.

NHS or Private: How Is It Charged?

In England, periodontal treatment (non-surgical and surgical) is charged as Band 2 on the NHS; a simple scale and polish is Band 1 only when clinically necessary. Charges change periodically – check the current NHS poster or ask your practice team.

Explore the differences between private and NHS dental care.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Book emergency dental care if you have severe pain, facial swelling, loose teeth, or ulcers with other concerning symptoms. If the practice is closed, call your dentist’s out-of-hours line or NHS 111 for advice.

Book a Gum Health Check

Riverdale practices provide full periodontal treatment – from early gum disease care to advanced therapy and maintenance – so you can keep your smile healthy long-term.

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Dentist whitening teeth

How Do Dentists Whiten Teeth? Professional Options Explained

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Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the UK. While whitening toothpastes and DIY kits promise results, the safest and most effective way to brighten your smile is through professional teeth whitening at the dentist.

Here’s what you need to know about how dentists whiten teeth – and the options available at Riverdale practices.

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Why Choose Professional Whitening?

Dentist teeth whitening treatments are carefully supervised by qualified clinicians. That means the gels used contain a higher concentration of whitening ingredients (typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) than anything you can buy on the high street – but because they’re provided and overseen by a dentist, they’re still completely safe.

Professional whitening ensures:

  • Noticeable results – teeth can be several shades lighter after treatment.
  • Even whitening – custom-made trays ensure consistent coverage, avoiding patchy results.
  • Safety – your dentist will check your teeth and gums first to prevent sensitivity or irritation.
  • Long-lasting impact – with good oral care and occasional top-ups, results can last many months or longer.

It’s why professional teeth whitening in the UK is considered the gold standard for a brighter, more confident smile.

Your Professional Teeth Whitening Options

Most Riverdale Healthcare practices offer:

  • Custom whitening trays and gels – Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and creates thin plastic trays designed to fit perfectly. You’ll be given whitening gel to use with the trays at home, usually for a set time each day over one to two weeks. This gradual approach gives you control over the final shade.

  • In-practice whitening – Available at some practices, this involves a stronger whitening gel applied in the dental chair. The dentist monitors the process closely, and results can often be seen in a single session.

These approaches to teeth whitening at the dentist can also be combined – for example, a single in-practice treatment followed by take-home trays for maintenance.

Is Teeth Whitening Right for Everyone?

Your dentist will check your teeth and gums before recommending whitening. It’s not suitable for everyone – for example.

  • Crowns, veneers, and fillings won’t change colour.
  • People with gum disease or untreated decay may need treatment first.
  • Whitening isn’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

But if you are a good candidate, a dentist teeth whitening treatment is a safe, effective way to restore brightness and boost confidence.

Alternatives to Whitening

Whitening isn’t the only way to improve the look of your smile. Your dentist may also suggest:

  • Composite bonding – A tooth-coloured resin is applied directly to the surface of your teeth, shaped and polished to cover discolouration, chips, or small gaps. Bonding is minimally invasive, often completed in a single visit, and can make an immediate difference.
  • Veneers – Thin porcelain or composite shells that fit over the front of your teeth. Veneers can change the colour, shape, or alignment of teeth, providing a longer-term solution for a brighter smile.

These treatments can be used on their own or alongside professional teeth whitening for a more complete transformation.

Book a Teeth Whitening Consultation

At Riverdale Healthcare, our practices provide professional teeth whitening in the UK, alongside a full range of dental treatments. Whether you’re looking for whitening alone or considering options such as bonding or veneers, our team will help you find the treatment that’s right for you.

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Dentist fixing a chipped tooth

How Do Dentists Fix a Chipped Tooth?

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Accidents happen – from biting down on something hard to slipping during sport, a chipped or broken tooth is one of the most common dental injuries. While it can be worrying, the good news is that dentists can fix a chipped tooth in several different ways, depending on how much of the tooth is damaged.

Here’s what you need to know about chipped tooth treatment and how Riverdale can help.

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When to See a Dentist

Not every small chip is an emergency, but it’s always worth having it checked. A chipped tooth can:

  1. Cause pain or sensitivity if the inner layers are exposed.
  2. Make the tooth more vulnerable to further damage.
  3. Lead to sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheeks.

If you’re in pain, bleeding, or have lost a large part of your tooth, call for an emergency dental appointment.

Treatments for a Chipped Tooth

1. Dental Bonding

For small chips, your dentist can use composite bonding – a tooth-coloured resin that is shaped to fill the missing area and then hardened with a special light. Bonding blends in naturally with your other teeth and can usually be completed in a single visit. It’s one of the most common solutions for dentist repair of a chipped tooth.

2. Veneers

If the chip is larger or on a front tooth, your dentist may recommend dental veneers. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite placed over the front of the tooth to restore its appearance. Veneers are durable, natural-looking, and can also improve the overall shape and colour of your smile.

3. Dental Crowns

When a significant portion of the tooth has broken off, a dental crown may be the best solution. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring function. Crowns are especially useful for back teeth, which take the most pressure when chewing.

4. Root Canal Treatment

If the chip has exposed the inner pulp of the tooth and caused infection, your dentist may need to perform root canal treatment before restoring the tooth with a crown or filling. This protects the long-term health of the tooth.

Temporary Fixes Until You See a Dentist

If you chip a tooth outside practice hours:

  1. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  2. Keep any broken fragments safe in case they can be reattached.
  3. Use dental wax (available from pharmacies) to cover sharp edges and protect your mouth.
  4. Avoid biting on the chipped tooth until it’s repaired.

These steps aren’t a replacement for proper chipped tooth treatment but can help until your appointment.

Book a Chipped Tooth Appointment at Riverdale

At Riverdale Healthcare, our dentists are experienced in treating chipped teeth – from simple composite bonding to full crowns and veneers. We’ll always recommend the least invasive treatment that restores both comfort and appearance.

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Dentistry can sometimes feel full of unfamiliar terms. A scan changes that. When dentists show patients what is happening on screen, the conversation becomes clearer, easier to follow, and easier to remember.

This is especially useful for spotting early warning signs – such as gum recession, enamel wear, or bite issues. Patients can see the issue for themselves and understand why it matters, making them better equipped to take action before problems become serious.