Dental Trauma – Emergency Treatment in Edinburgh
A sudden injury to the mouth can be painful, distressing, and even frightening. Whether caused by an accident, sports injury, or a fall, dental trauma needs urgent professional care to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw. At Frederick Street Dental Care in Edinburgh, we provide emergency dental treatment for trauma, helping you recover quickly and avoid long-term complications.
What Is Dental Trauma?
Dental trauma refers to any injury involving the teeth, gums, lips, tongue, or jawbone. It can range from minor chips and cracks to more serious issues like knocked-out teeth or fractured jaws. Acting quickly is essential to increase the chances of saving damaged teeth and preventing infection or permanent damage.
Common Types of Dental Trauma
Understanding the type of trauma can help determine the best course of action. The most common types include:
Chipped or Fractured Tooth
A small chip may not cause pain but can still lead to further damage or sensitivity. Larger fractures may expose the tooth’s nerve, causing intense discomfort.
Dislodged (Luxated) Tooth
This is when a tooth is moved out of its normal position but still attached. It might appear longer or shorter, or feel loose.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
A permanent tooth completely knocked out of its socket requires immediate dental treatment. Time is critical—ideally within 30 to 60 minutes.
Cracked Tooth
Sometimes the crack is not visible but may cause pain when chewing or with temperature changes.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts, tears, or bruising to the lips, gums, or inside of the cheeks often occur alongside dental injuries and should be cleaned and assessed for infection risk.
Fractured Jaw or Facial Bones
Severe trauma can cause jaw fractures and may require both dental and hospital treatment.
What Should I Do After a Dental Injury?
Here are some first aid steps you can take while seeking emergency care:
For a Knocked-Out Tooth:
Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root).
Rinse gently with milk or saline if dirty—do not scrub.
Try to reinsert it into the socket, or store in milk or inside your cheek.
Seek emergency dental care immediately.
For a Chipped or Broken Tooth:
Rinse the mouth with warm water.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.
For Bleeding or Soft Tissue Injuries:
Use clean gauze to apply pressure to the area.
Rinse gently with saltwater.
If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, seek urgent care.
Emergency Dental Trauma Treatment in Edinburgh
At Frederick Street Dental Care, we offer same-day emergency appointments to assess and treat dental trauma quickly. Our services include:
Tooth Reattachment
If you bring in a knocked-out tooth in time, we may be able to reimplant and stabilise it.
Dental Bonding and Fillings
Minor chips or cracks can be repaired with composite resin that matches your natural tooth colour.
Root Canal Therapy
If trauma affects the tooth pulp or nerve, root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth.
Splinting Loose Teeth
We may stabilise a loose or dislodged tooth using a dental splint to help it heal and reattach to the bone.
Referrals for Complex Injuries
In severe cases involving jaw fractures or extensive damage, we will coordinate care with oral surgeons or hospital services as needed.
Common Types of Dental Trauma
Understanding the type of trauma can help determine the best course of action. The most common types include:
Chipped or Fractured Tooth
A small chip may not cause pain but can still lead to further damage or sensitivity. Larger fractures may expose the tooth’s nerve, causing intense discomfort.
Dislodged (Luxated) Tooth
This is when a tooth is moved out of its normal position but still attached. It might appear longer or shorter, or feel loose.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
A permanent tooth completely knocked out of its socket requires immediate dental treatment. Time is critical—ideally within 30 to 60 minutes.
Cracked Tooth
Sometimes the crack is not visible but may cause pain when chewing or with temperature changes.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts, tears, or bruising to the lips, gums, or inside of the cheeks often occur alongside dental injuries and should be cleaned and assessed for infection risk.
Fractured Jaw or Facial Bones
Severe trauma can cause jaw fractures and may require both dental and hospital treatment.
Why Immediate Treatment Matters
Delaying treatment after dental trauma can lead to complications such as:
Tooth loss
Infection or abscess
Long-term pain or sensitivity
Damage to adjacent teeth
Changes in bite or jaw alignment
Gum and bone loss
Quick action improves the chances of saving your tooth and restoring full function.
How to Prevent Dental Injuries
While accidents can’t always be avoided, here are a few tips to reduce the risk of dental trauma:
Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or physical activities
Avoid using teeth to open packages or bottles
Be careful on slippery floors or while cycling
Use proper protective gear at work if needed
Schedule regular check-ups to spot weakening teeth or existing dental issues
We can also create custom sports mouthguards to protect your smile on the field or court.
- Emergency same-day appointments
- Convenient central location in Edinburgh
Experienced team with trauma and restorative expertise - Affordable private dental care
- Contact via phone or WhatsApp
- Compassionate care for both adults and children
Injured Your Tooth? Don’t Wait — Contact Us Now
If you’ve suffered dental trauma and need immediate care, call us now or book online. The sooner you act, the better the outcome for your smile.
Book an Emergency Appointment Online
Message us on WhatsApp
Visit Frederick Street Dental Care in Edinburgh
Book Same Day Appointment
Don’t wait! If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, Our clinic is open 7 days a week. You can book an emergency appointment by calling us 01316291158 or by booking an appointment online
Emergency Consultation Fee: £95.00 X-rays and treatment costs are not included
