Dental Emergencies
Accidents and problems can happen…
So here's our advice.
There are a number of reasons why you might need the help or advice of your dentist between visits some are more serious than others.
Below are listed the more common problems people encounter along with some recommendations of what to do.
If you have a dental emergency please try to phone during surgery hours and as early as possible.
We will make every effort to try and see you as soon as we can.
For urgent advice or treatment outside surgery hours…
Registered patients should phone:
- 07005 921 226 – Week days (e.g. Mon. to Fri. before 9pm) or…
- 07876 214 324 – Weekends (e.g. Fri. 6-9pm, Sat. & Sun. 9am-9pm)
Your call will then be diverted to the dentist on call.
Handling mild toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold…
Keep extremes of temperature away from your tooth.
Try taking a painkiller, such as one you would regularly take for a headache
(e.g. paracetamol).
Contact the practice to make an appointment – you may need a new filling for example.
What to do in cases of severe toothache…
Severe toothache keeps you awake at night and is very distressing, there may also be some swelling – painkillers will help (Ibuprofen is best) but they may not take away the pain entirely.
Contact the practice and we will see you as soon as possible.
Dealing with severe pain following an extraction…
Mild pain or discomfort is quite normal following an extraction, but occasionally the socket may not heal correctly and you may get a “dry socket”. This is an infection of the socket and you usually get severe toothache 2 to 3 days after having your tooth out.
You should contact the practice to have the socket dressed. Please ring during surgery hours and we will see you as soon as possible.
Coping with dislodged or de-cemented crowns…
If a front crown becomes de-cemented this can be very embarrassing.
Please contact the surgery during working hours and we will see you as soon as possible to re-cement it for you.
Out of hours denture fixture, or sugar-free chewing gum, can be used as a quick fix.
What to do if a tooth has been knocked out…
If a tooth is knocked out completely do not panic. If possible find the tooth and if it is clean push it back into the socket, and attend the practice promptly. If it is clean but you are unable to replace it, store the tooth just inside the mouth. Alternatively place it in milk. Ring ahead (if possible) and go straight to the practice during surgery hours.
The more quickly the tooth is replaced the more chance it has of surviving. Teeth pushed out of line also need prompt attention. If the accident happens outside of surgery hours use the emergency number (above).