Helpful advice …

If you have a dental emergency during practice opening hours please call the practice in the morning and we will endeavour to see you at the earliest possible opportunity.

If you can’t wait until we open again you may call NHS 111.

In cases requiring urgent treatment such as severe facial swelling or injury please contact your local Accident & Emergency Hospital Department.

Outlined below are a few helpful guides to assist you when dealing with dental emergencies:

Broken Tooth/Lost Filling

If you have a broken tooth or a lost filling, don’t panic! Usually these situations are only irritating to the tongue and a little sensitive and you probably don’t need to visit the emergency service. Keep the area as clean as best you can and contact the practice at your earliest convenience.

Lost Crown

If the tooth is not sensitive or unsightly, keep the crown in a safe place and contact us at your earliest convenience. If the tooth is sensitive or unsightly then you can get some temporary crown cement from your local chemist but please do not use any other   glue based materials as this may prevent us from being able to recement the crown permanently.

Painful Wisdom Teeth

Sometimes food gets trapped beneath the piece of gum that covers over the wisdom tooth. This can cause swelling  and occasionally prevent full opening of the mouth. In such cases, the best thing to do is keep the area clean with a toothbrush and warm salt mouthrinses or Chlorohexidine Mouthwash (which can be purchased from the chemist and some supermarkets). You may also need some painkillers – any that would normally be taken for headaches are suitable.  (please ensure you are not allergic to any mouthwash/medicines prior to using)

Dislodged Teeth Due To Trauma

If the problem is with a baby tooth that has been knocked out completely or pushed up into the gum, please try not to worry! Usually tender loving care, pain relieving medication and reassurance will see you through until you can get to see us. It is, however, very important that you contact us as soon as possible as this will need careful monitoring.

For adult teeth, if the tooth has been cracked or chipped but is not too painful then please do not be overly concerned. Contact us as soon as possible and we will be able to help. For any more serious accidents, please visit the A&E department of your nearest hospital. It may occasionally be possible to save teeth that have been completely knocked out – the best chance of doing this is if the tooth is stored in milk until you reach hospital.