Dental emergencies in Geneva: How to deal with the most common situations

Dental emergencies are unpredictable and can happen at any time. Whether you're experiencing intense pain or have suffered a traumatic injury, it's essential to know how to react to avoid further complications. In Geneva, several types of dental emergencies are frequently encountered. This article explores the most common situations and gives practical advice on how to deal with them.

Severe dental pain

Dental pain can be unbearable and often requires immediate attention. It is usually caused by deep decay, infection or inflammation of the dental pulp.

Over-the-counter painkillers can provide temporary relief. Applying ice to the affected area can also help reduce inflammation. However, it's crucial to consult a dentist promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Emergency care options

In Geneva, several clinics offer emergency care services for dental pain. It is advisable to contact one of these clinics as soon as symptoms appear:

• Contact your usual dental practice if its opening hours permit.
• Use an on-call dentist service available during non-business hours.
• In case of extreme pain, go directly to a hospital equipped for dental emergencies.

Broken or fractured teeth

A broken or cracked tooth can cause severe pain and expose the dental pulp to infection. This can happen following an accident, a direct blow to the mouth or even chewing on something hard.

If this happens, try to recover the tooth pieces, rinse them gently under clear water and store them in milk or saline solution. Contact a dentist immediately to assess the situation and schedule an appointment.

First aid

While waiting for professional care, follow these steps to minimize damage:

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clean the area.
• If necessary, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
• Avoid touching or handling the damaged tooth.

Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to form around the root of a tooth. This problem must be treated quickly to prevent the infection from spreading.

Symptoms include intense pain, swollen gums, sensitivity to hot and cold, and possible fever. If such a situation occurs, it's imperative to consult a dentist without delay.

Available treatments

Treatment of a dental abscess generally involves :

• An incision to drain pus and relieve pressure.
• Antibiotics to fight infection.
• Root canal treatment (devitalization) depending on the severity of the abscess.

Tooth loss due to trauma

The loss of a permanent tooth due to accident or impact is a major dental emergency. Quick action in this situation can save the tooth.

If you lose a tooth, try to find it and handle it by the crown (visible part) without touching the root. Gently rinse the tooth if it's dirty, and replace it in its socket if possible. If not, keep it in milk or between your cheek and gums and visit a dentist immediately.

Procedures to follow

While you wait for professional care:

• Maintain gentle but firm pressure if you have succeeded in repositioning the tooth.
• Avoid eating or chewing on the affected side.
• Contact an on-call dentist or visit an emergency clinic as soon as possible.

Problems related to braces

People with braces may also encounter specific dental emergencies such as a broken wire, a loose band or wounds caused by the appliance.

These problems can cause discomfort and sometimes require immediate intervention to prevent damage to oral tissues or teeth.

Temporary interventions

Here are a few tips on how to temporarily deal with these problems before a visit to the orthodontist:

• Use orthodontic wax on irritating wires or metal parts to protect your oral tissues.
• If a wire protrudes and causes injury, gently try to push it back into place with a cotton swab.
• Please collect any spare parts and bring them to your consultation.

Opening hours and telephone contact for emergencies

Knowing where and how to obtain emergency care is essential, especially outside normal office hours. In Geneva, several options are available to those faced with a dental emergency.

It's important to know the opening hours of the various centers, and to prepare the telephone contact details of establishments specializing in dental emergencies.

Emergency care centers in Geneva

Some options to consider include:

• Private dental clinics offering emergency consultations.
• Hospitals with 24/7 dentistry service.
• Dentists on call at weekends and on public holidays.

Before coming, we recommend you call to check immediate availability and book an urgent appointment if possible.

Cost of emergency care

The cost of emergency care can vary significantly, depending on the nature of the problem and the treatments required. So it's a good idea to have a rough idea of potential costs before you consult your doctor, so you can be better prepared financially.

Factors influencing costs

Several factors influence the final cost of emergency care:

• Type of treatment required (simple extraction, root canal treatment, etc.).
• Duration and complexity of the intervention.
• Specific practitioner fees and clinic rates.

Be sure to ask for an estimate prior to major procedures to avoid financial surprises. Note that some emergency treatments may also be partially covered by supplementary health insurance, depending on the terms of your contract.

Preventing dental emergencies

Prevention is better than cure. There are several simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of a dental emergency.

Adopt rigorous oral hygiene, make regular visits to the dentist for routine check-ups, and protect your teeth during high-risk sporting activities by using appropriate mouthguards.

By knowing the right reactions to a dental emergency and being well prepared, you can minimize the negative impact on your oral health.

Dental emergency at Centre Dentaire Lancy

Geneva's Centre Dentaire Lancy offers rapid response to dental emergencies. From Monday to Friday, the center organizes a flexible schedule to be able to see you as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency.

On Saturdays, an on-call dentist is available for all dental emergencies from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, on call only.

Discover also the Centre Dentaire Chêne-Bourg and the Centre Dentaire Champel