Dental Dilemma’s: Answers to Your Most Searched Questions About Oral Health

Tooth pain and dental emergencies are among the most common reasons for seeking immediate healthcare, often causing considerable discomfort and concern. 

However, when these issues arise, patients frequently encounter uncertainty and limited access to reliable information about managing symptoms or determining whether urgent care is necessary. 

This lack of readily available information is exacerbated by the current nationwide shortage of dental professionals, making it increasingly difficult for people to obtain timely professional assistance for dental emergencies. 

Consequently, many individuals turn to online resources in search of quick solutions and guidance for their dental problems.

In response to this pressing need, experts at The Neem Tree Dental Practice have conducted an in-depth exploration of the most commonly searched questions on the internet about tooth pain and dental emergencies. 

By identifying these frequently asked questions, The Neem Tree aims to provide accurate, practical, and accessible answers to provide people with the right knowledge on addressing oral health concerns effectively. 

Shedding light on the areas where patients feel least informed, and serving as a comprehensive guide to help people manage dental discomfort and recognise when professional care is essential, here are the answers to your most commonly asked questions…

What are the most asked questions about tooth pain and emergencies? 

How do I get rid of tooth pain?

When you experience tooth pain, it can be for a number of reasons. While there may not be anything you can do to alleviate the problem, there are ways to temporarily soothe your mouth.

Keep the area clean by brushing gently around the affected tooth and flossing to remove any trapped food particles to prevent worsening the pain.

Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate tooth pain. Stick to soft, bland foods that don’t require much chewing.

It’s important to note that persistent tooth pain can indicate a more serious issue, such as an infection, decay, or an abscess, which will require professional care. If the pain is severe, lasts more than a day or two, or is accompanied by fever or swelling, see a dentist immediately.

How do you stop tooth pain fast at home?

You can create a saltwater solution to get rid of tooth pain fast at home, by mixing half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swishing it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

Another natural way to remove pain temporarily is by using clove oil. It has natural analgesic and antibacterial properties. Dab a small amount on a cotton bud and gently apply it to the affected area. Be cautious with the amount, as clove oil can be strong.

Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol are also a good way to alleviate discomfort. 

How long does wisdom tooth pain last?

Wisdom tooth pain can vary depending on the circumstances. For teeth that are emerging, you may experience pain and pressure as they break through the gums. This discomfort typically lasts for a few days to a week, but may recur intermittently as the teeth continue to emerge.

If wisdom teeth are stuck under the gums or growing at an angle, they can cause ongoing pain and pressure. This pain often doesn’t go away until the teeth are removed.

When removed, the pain and swelling typically last for 3–7 days. Some tenderness may last longer, but intense pain should diminish within the first week. If pain continues beyond a week or worsens, it’s best to consult your dentist.

How do I relieve pain after tooth extraction?

After a tooth extraction, it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling. If you are finding it particularly difficult, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the soreness.

For starters, you can take over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, or if your dentist has prescribed stronger pain relief, take it as directed.

The next simple solution is to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the area of extraction for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between. This helps reduce swelling and numb the area.

When resting or sleeping, keep your head elevated with pillows to reduce swelling. Avoid lying flat, as this can increase blood flow to the mouth and exacerbate swelling.

Refrain from using straws for the first few days after the extraction, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot in the socket, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. Smoking and vaping can also slow healing and increase the risk of infection, so it’s best to avoid it during recovery.

I have tooth pain when biting down – What should I do?

The first thing you should do is figure out what is causing the pain when you bite down. It could be any of the following:

• A crack in the tooth can cause discomfort, especially when chewing or biting down
• A tooth abscess, which is a pocket of infection, can cause severe pain when pressure is applied
• Cavities or tooth decay can cause pain when pressure is applied to the tooth
• Infected or inflamed gums around the tooth 
•  If you have a filling, crown, or other dental work, it could be loose, damaged, or improperly fitted
• Tooth sensitivity can also cause pain when eating or drinking certain foods, especially if the enamel is worn down

You can provide relief through short-term solutions as listed previously. If the problem persists, tooth pain when biting down is often a sign of an underlying issue that needs professional care. A dentist can examine the tooth and take X-rays if necessary to determine the cause.

Other questions you asked about dental emergencies

How do I get an emergency dentist appointment?

Many practices keep some time slots open each day specifically for emergency cases. So if you have a regular dentist, call their office as soon as possible. Explain your symptoms clearly so they understand the urgency.

If you don’t have a dentist or your usual practice can’t see you, call NHS 111. They can assess your situation and direct you to an available emergency dentist.

You can book an emergency dental appointment with us here.

Where can I find an emergency dentist near me?

NHS 111 is available 24/7 and can help you locate an emergency dentist in your area. The service will assess your symptoms and direct you to an available NHS emergency dentist or Urgent Dental Care Centre if necessary.

The NHS ‘Find a Dentist’ tool on the NHS website to find local NHS dental practices. You can filter your search to show practices accepting new patients or emergency cases.

If you preferred going private, you can use directories such as the BDA (British Dental Association) website, Google, or Yell.com to locate dental practices nearby.

When should you call an emergency dentist?

You should call an emergency dentist when experiencing persistent pain or bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess or if there are any complications following a procedure. 

In cases of severe pain, facial swelling, or bleeding that won’t stop, even if a dental office is unavailable, call NHS 111 or visit A&E if the issue is urgent and affects breathing or swallowing.

Call our practices to book a weekend of evening emergency appointment.

How do you get an emergency dental appointment if you are not registered?

Some practices keep time slots open for emergencies, which include patients who aren’t registered. By calling around and explaining the nature of your emergency, a practice may be able to accommodate you or recommend another nearby practice.

Another option is to go private, as they offer emergency services regardless of registration status. 

What time are emergency dentists usually available?

Most dental practices are open Monday through Friday, typically from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Many set aside specific time slots each day for emergency appointments.

Some practices may close or have reduced staff over lunch, so it’s best to call outside these hours.

Private dental clinics may offer more flexible hours and sometimes open earlier or later than NHS practices. The Neem Tree, for example, offers services until 11:00pm due to the real possibility of a dental emergency occurring past the usual office hours.

What are the most asked questions about oral hygiene? 

What is oral hygiene?

Oral hygiene refers to the practice and routine of looking after your mouth to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. 

The key components of oral hygiene include a routine of brushing, flossing and maintaining a good diet. It is also important to get regular check-ups at the dentist. 

By maintaining a good routine, you can prevent and detect early signs of oral issues. 

Why is oral hygiene important?

Oral hygiene is important for a variety of reasons, including its impact on overall health and well-being.

Not only does it prevent you from tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health implications, but it also promotes better digestion and improved self-confidence and will save you from spending an extortionate amount of money on future dental treatments as a result. 

How do I maintain good oral hygiene?

The most obvious way you can maintain good oral hygiene is by brushing twice a day, morning and night. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush for two minutes to get the best results.

Another super important step, one that most people overlook, is flossing. Flossing once a day removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where most standard brushing can’t reach.

It is also imperative to maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients and stay hydrated, as this will contribute to a healthy mouth.

How to improve oral hygiene?

Smoking and excessive alcohol use can stain teeth, increase the risk of gum disease, and contribute to other oral health problems. Reducing or eliminating these habits can greatly benefit your oral health.

Schedule cleanings and check-ups every six months. A professional cleaning removes tartar, which you can’t get rid of at home

Ensure you are using fluoride toothpastes, as these strengthen enamel, especially if you’re prone to cavities.

If you have sensitive teeth, using special toothpaste as an alternative can help manage discomfort and protect exposed dentin (the layer of hard tissue beneath the enamel of a tooth, forming most of tooth’s structure).

What is poor oral hygiene?

If you routinely neglect your oral hygiene, you will begin to notice the following symptoms:

• Plaque build-up
• Tooth decay
• Bad breath
• Gum disease
• Stained teeth

What are the most asked questions about orthodontics and Invisalign? 

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment in the UK generally ranges from £1,500 to £5,500, depending on several factors, including the complexity of the specific patient’s teeth, the length of treatment, and the dental clinic.

Aside from paying for the actual Invisalign treatment, you may also have to consider additional costs. Some clinics offer free initial consultations, while others may charge around £50 to £100. And after treatment, retainers are required to maintain results, which can cost an additional £100 to £300.

Although it isn’t cheap, most dental practices will allow you to set up a payment plan, so you can repay on a monthly basis as opposed to doing it all upfront. 

How to clean Invisalign?

Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water to remove saliva, bacteria, and food particles. You mustn’t wash them with boiling/hot water, as this can warp the shape.

Gently brush the aligners with a soft toothbrush and clear, mild liquid soap or a small amount of toothpaste. Avoid using whitening toothpaste, as this can make the Invisalign appear cloudy or scratched.

Invisalign cleaning crystals are specially formulated to clean aligners; soak them for about 15–20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is made of transparent plastic. 

Because they are transparent, they are nearly impossible to spot, making them a popular choice for teens and adults seeking subtle orthodontic treatment. 

How long does Invisalign take?

In general, it can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months, with some minor cases taking as little as 3 months and more complex cases taking 24 months or more.

How does Invisalign work?

The dentist or orthodontist will create a 3D digital scan or take impressions of your teeth to design a custom treatment plan once you decide on having Invisalign. 

Then, a series of Invisalign aligners will be custom-made. As they gradually move your teeth into place, you will require a new set of aligners every one to two weeks.

Each aligner should be worn for the majority of the day and overnight. They can be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth.

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental expert who specialises in diagnosing, preventing, and treating issues related to the alignment of teeth and jaws. 

How do I become an orthodontist?

To become an orthodontist, it requires several years of education and training beyond a basic dental degree.

Firstly, you’ll need to achieve a bachelor’s degree in dentistry. The course will typically take 5 years and includes both theoretical and practical training in general dentistry.

After graduation, you must complete 1 year of supervised practice in a professional dental setting as part of the Dental Foundation Training programme. It’s common to do this for around one or two years before specialising, though it’s not always mandatory.

Then, you will need to apply for an orthodontic speciality training programme in the NHS or another recognised training provider. A minimum of 2 years of postgraduate clinical experience is often required, and it’s important to achieve this as the orthodontic course is competitive. 

The orthodontic training programme lasts 3 years full-time and combines clinical training, academic study, and research. So overall, it will take around 9 years to become a fully qualified orthodontist. 

What does an orthodontist do?

Orthodontists provide a variety of treatments for patients who want to align their teeth. They can close gaps, fix bite issues, use treatments to enhance teeth’s aesthetic, and provide early intervention for jaw development.  

What happens at your first orthodontist appointment?

Your first orthodontist appointment is an initial consultation to assess your dental and orthodontic needs and to discuss what further steps to take regarding the issue you went in for initially. 

The orthodontist will closely examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite alignment, checking for issues such as crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Once this has happened, you can discuss steps moving forward if there is reason to receive treatment. 

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?  

The primary distinction between a dentist and an orthodontist is that they specialise and train in different areas of expertise. A dentist is a general practitioner for overall oral health, whereby they handle a broad range of dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and preventive care.

Orthodontists, on the other hand, specialise in teeth and jaw alignment. They treat issues like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and other bite irregularities.

What are the most asked questions about dental implants? 

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants in the UK varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the type of implant used, the clinic’s location, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafts or sinus lifts are required. 

The price for a single dental implant generally ranges from £1,800 to £3,600 per tooth, while full-mouth or multiple implants can cost between £7,000 and £15,000.

The NHS generally does not cover implants unless there is a medical need, such as after a facial injury, so you will likely have to pay the usual amount. 

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are intended to be long-term solutions, and with proper care, they can often last 15 to 25 years or longer. In some cases, they can last for the patient’s lifetime, although this depends on the individual’s oral hygiene, lifestyle habits and the quality of the implants. 

What are dental implants?

They are artificial tooth roots inserted surgically into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. 

Implants are used to replace missing or severely damaged teeth, providing a more permanent and natural-looking solution.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants function by substituting missing tooth roots with artificial posts. Over time, implants fuse with the bone, providing a strong and stable foundation for prosthetic teeth. 

What are the 3 types of dental implants?

• Endosteal Implants

These are the most common type of dental implant and are placed directly into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone. 

• Subperiosteal Implants

They sit on top of the jawbone under the gum tissue, instead of being placed directly in the bone. Once this is done, a metal frame is placed beneath the gums, with posts extending through to support the artificial teeth.

• Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are less common and used when the jawbone is unsuitable for traditional implants. These implants are not anchored in the jawbone, but rather in the cheekbone.