To go to the dentist as an emergency

[brexitstolemyfuture]

Tomorrow morning as I've had a bit of oat cake lodged up a tooth right in my gum that I can't dislodge and it's very uncomfortable?

Floss?

Those little Picker things?

Dislodge it by eating an Apple?

If not, I would go to dentist.

I used to manage a dentists - that is in no way an emergency!

Emergencies are severe pain, infections and trauma (in which case first stop should usually be A&E anyway). I'd be doubtful you'd get an emergency appointment, and if you lie be sure there'll be a note made on your file!

It's not if your gums swell up massively tea. Mine do if anything gets lodged in them. It's incredibly painful and the swelling is unbelievable.
Having said that, I can usually dislodge whatever it is. Try flossing first, OP, then if that doesn't work, gentle brushing.
I hope you get it sorted. Sympathies.

I've spent ages flossing, being using a plastic pic and a water flosser to get it out with no joy.

What if I just phone up and explain? I'll quite happily pay a fortune for it to be dislodged and surely won't take long

No. Floss or a piece of cotton.

If it's still stuck tomorrow with no sign of moving its very likely to cause infection. I'd ring the dentist and ask their advice

How will cotton help? It's now bleeding a bit and can taste my blood :(

There's no AIBU question to be asked about emergency dentists' appointments. You ring up, they decide if you are BU and will offer you one, or not.

It can be thinner than floss

Would frothing dilute hydrogen peroxide help??

Chewing gum?

You need a hygienist appnt surely?

My dental practice would see you. If it's causing pain and discomfort I don't see why you can't see them. You may not be offered a suitable time so you will have to be flexible

I bet it's actually out but the sensation is still there because you've irritated the gum.

I don't think it warrants an emergency appointment. Call them and ask for their next available appointment then try and forget about it for a few hours. You can then call back and cancel if I'm right.

If it's bothering you of course you should call them. They will either give you advice or tell you to go in.

I chipped a back tooth over the weekend. Not really an emergency but when I telephoned and explained this morning, they gave me a 10am appointment which lasted less than five minutes. If they have space, I'm sure they'd see you. I would call and explain the problem.

Why would anyone here say no? Why would anyone assume OP is talking about NHS care?

Dentist here. Just phone and explain. Let them decide - we get cancellation all the time and are happy to squeeze someone in if there is no one of higher priority.

Although as soon as you book the appointment, the thing stuck in your teeth will fall out lol.

I had this some weeks ago. Just called and explained to the receptionist and they booked me in the next day. However, as gojettersgo said, it did fall out before I got there! I still went though to check for infection etc. They'll know whether you should go in or not :)

Did you go, OP? I'm sure they'd see you if they could, even if it's the hygienist rather than the dentist. You'll probably need to make a standard hygienist appointment later anyway because if you've got pockets between your gum and tooth it's likely you've got some degree of gum disease.