Our Advice
What is a dental emergency?
There are several problems that are considered to be emergencies requiring the patient to see an emergency dentist. These are:
- Severe dental pain not controlled by pain killers
- Facial swelling
- Trauma to your mouth and teeth
If you are experiencing any of these then you need to contact us straight away. If outside of normal opening hours, registered patients of the practice should call us for details of the dental emergency helpline number.
What can I do in the meantime?
Dental pain in adults can often be controlled by alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen (NurofenTM). Co-codamol has little effect on toothache.
Children may benefit from taking CalpolTM (contains paracetamol).
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are not suitable for everybody. Consult a doctor if you are unsure before taking any medication. Always follow the dosage and advice in the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Frequent sips of cold water may also help to reduce toothache.
To help ease swellings, place a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse regularly throughout the day. You may find relief by placing a warm compress against the swollen part of your face. You should immediately seek medical attention if you have any swelling inhibiting your breathing.
Trauma
If you have suffered acute trauma to your teeth then it is important to act quickly and correctly. Try and keep any pieces that have broken off and contact us immediately.
If you have knocked an adult tooth completely out follow this advice.
They are fragile and time is of the essence.
- Avoid touching the root of the tooth (the part normally under the gum)
- Rinse any dirt off with milk. Water will suffice if milk is not available. DO NOT wipe the tooth with anything.
- If you can, place the tooth back into its socket. This will give it a better chance of survival. Gently hold it by the crown (the whiter part, not the root) and carefully push it, root first, into the socket. Make sure it is facing the correct way.
- If this is not possible or it does not easily go back in, store the tooth in a container of milk and bring it with you to the dental surgery. If this is not possible, place it in between your cheek and your gums. Beware, this may be dangerous for young children due to the risk of inhalation or swallowing. In these cases ask the child to spit into a container and place the tooth into the saliva instead. If all else fails place the tooth into water. A dry tooth has a poorer chance of surviving.
- Contact the practice immediately to arrange to be seen. Bring the tooth with you if it has not been put back into the socket.
Patient Support Sheets
What to do before an extraction Click here for more information
What to do after an extraction Click here for more information
New dentures Click here for more information
Teeth Whitening Click here for more information
Taking antibiotics Click here for more information
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Access our Complaints Procedure here
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