Emergency Dental

Please note – unfortunately we do not accept NHS patients.

EVENING AND WEEKEND;

After hours, in case of severe swelling and trauma please call the NHS helpline on 01392 823682.

The practice is closed for weekends. Dr Ordi’s private patients can benefit from after hours private service during Saturday and Sunday 9 Am to 6pm on 01752 219633. There will be a call out fee of £220 for this private service.

What to do in an emergency

Don’t ignore a dental emergency because if a problem is not addressed quickly, it can lead to permanent damage or increase the likelihood of more lengthy and expensive treatment in the future. Obviously we will try to see you as soon as we can but in the meantime here are some useful emergency mouth care tips:

Ease the pain

Toothache – rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any stubborn bits of food that may be lurking between your teeth. Any swelling can be eased by applying a cold compress and you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, but be sure to follow the instructions on the packet.

Abscesses – these infections occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and the gums. If left untreated they can cause serious damage, so try and see us as soon as you discover a painful spot-like swelling on your gum. In the meantime rinse your mouth with warm salty water several times a day but if you develop severe pain and flu-like symptoms you should go to A&E urgently.

Soft tissue injuries – bleeding from the tongue, cheeks, gums and lips can be controlled by rinsing with salty water, applying a moistened piece of gauze or a tea bag to the affected area for 15-20 minutes or by using a cold compress for 5-10 minutes. If the bleeding just doesn’t stop then you may need to go to A&E.

Lost something?

Lost tooth – hold the tooth by the crown (the part that is normally visible in the mouth) and rinse with water but do not scrub or remove any little bits of tissue. Try to pop the tooth back in its original position but make sure it is facing the right way. If this is not possible then put the tooth in some milk (or water containing a pinch of salt). The quicker you see us, the greater the chance that we can save the tooth.

For a partially dislodged (extruded) tooth that has been pushed out of position, apply a cold compress and take suitable pain relief. If it is hanging ‘by a thread’ then try to push it back in place until you can see us.

Lost filling – try sticking a piece of sugar free gum into the cavity or use over-the-counter dental cement.

Lost crown – if the tooth is causing you pain then use a cotton bud to apply a touch of clove oil. You can also slip the crown back in place with some dental cement, toothpaste or special adhesive but DO NOT use superglue.

It’s broken!

Broken braces and wires – if a wire breaks or is sticking out, try pushing it into a more comfortable position with your finger nail or the rubber end of a pencil. If this is not possible then cover over with cotton wool or wax.

Chipped or broken teeth – keep any pieces that have chipped off, then rinse your mouth with warm water. A cold compress will help bring down any swelling and if there is any bleeding you can apply a piece of gauze to the affected area until it stops.