Dental Emergencies

COVID 19 - PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE ADVICE

What you should do in the event of a dental emergency:

Please call the practice as early as possible in the morning so that we can arrange an appointment as soon as possible. Out of ours emergency number is 07973 568 038. Alternatively, call 111 NHS helpline.

Toothache:
If you have constant pain this indicating that there is something wrong that requires attention. You can take painkillers and Ibuprofen seems to be the best option in majority of cases. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, Paracetamol is recommended but be careful not to exceed the maximum dose.

Swelling:
This is usually an indication of an acute infection and antibiotics and/or treatment will be required. You must contact the practice as soon as possible. Swelling is also associated with surgical procedures and in these cases does not necessarily mean that there is an underlying infection but often is associated with soft tissue trauma and oedema as a result of the procedure .

Broken tooth:
In majority of cases these can be restored. If the tooth is painful avoid hot/cold foods and take painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. Try and avoid eating or biting on that side. An early appointment is necessary to avoid further damage to the tooth and the pulp inside the tooth. If the nerve/pulp is not affected/infected a temporary restoration will be placed until the tooth settles down,

Crown comes off:
Keep it safe so it can be re-cemented. If the tooth under the crown is painful avoid eating near it. It is essential that the crown is re cemented as failure to do so can lead to further damage and the necessity for root canal treatment.

Knocked out tooth:
If your tooth comes out intact needs to be re-implanted into the socket as soon a possible. If you can place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with silver paper. If you can not do not place the tooth in water. Do place the tooth in cold milk or ideally in normal saline if you have access to it . Try not to handle the root of the tooth and do not rinse the tooth under the water tap in order to protect the fibres around the root surface. It is important that you are seen by us or a local emergency service as soon as possible in order to re-implant the tooth into the socket and the success of the above treatment depends onto how quickly is done .

Broken denture :
Broken dentures can be repaired relatively easily as long as they have not broken in multiple pieces. Do not try to repair the denture with glue yourself as this often makes a repair very difficult. Contact the practice as soon as you can to arrange a repair by one of our dental technicians.