DENTAL EMERGENCIES

PLEASE NOTE – UNFORTUNATELY WE DO NOT ACCEPT NHS PATIENTS

SAME DAY EMERGENCY DENTAL APPOINTMENTS

We are pleased to be able to offer patients same day emergency dental appointments. We will always do our best to get you out of dental pain as soon as possible.

Emergency dental appointments cost £175.00 and will include the following:-

• 30-minute emergency appointment
• Emergency treatment diagnosis, including X-rays as required
• Antibiotics prescription, if necessary
• Treatment plan and action to get you out of pain
• Specialist referral, if required

We can relieve tooth pain immediately. Whether the problem is from a broken tooth, lost filling, or an infection, we aim to deal with it promptly. Your wellbeing is important to us, and we put your comfort first. Get in touch with our team as soon as you can so we can arrange an emergency appointment.

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 fingernail 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.

FAQs

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency means you require urgent dental assistance and/or you are in severe dental pain. This dental emergency could occur due to various situations, such as an infection, dental injury, and knocked out teeth. If you are in dental pain, contact us for an emergency dental appointment. We will do our best to get you seen as soon as possible.

How to get emergency dental care?

Contact us immediately and we will endeavour to make you an emergency dentist appointment as soon as possible. Our emergency dentists can cover a wide range of issues and aim to get you out of any pain or discomfort within an hour of seeing you.

Can I go to A&E for a dental emergency?

There is usually no need for you to visit A&E for a dental emergency, as dentists are far better equipped to treat you in a dental practice than a doctor in a hospital. You may also waste time waiting in A&E to find you can’t be effectively treated. If you have a dental emergency, the best option is to contact your dental practice for advice.

How to get rid of a toothache?

It’s important to see a dentist as soon as you can if you have toothache. You can take painkillers and use an analgesic gel which can numb the area for a while. You can also rinse your mouth out with warm, salty water. This can help rinse your mouth of the bacteria that could be causing you issues. An ice pack can be applied to the cheek to help reduce swelling. Many people swear by clove oil. Just add a couple of drops on a cotton bud and apply to the affected area. Drinking warm peppermint tea can also soothe your mouth overall.

How long does a toothache last?

How long your toothache will last does depend on the underlying cause. If you have a temporary gum irritation, then the pain should go away within a day or two. If the problem is an abscess or cavity the pain may come and go in waves, but it won’t go away entirely until you have got the dental issue resolved.

How do I best avoid a dental emergency in the future?

By their very nature, most dental emergencies cannot be avoided. However, if you maintain a good regular oral hygiene routine, your teeth and gums will be in the best condition and better able to avoid severe pain due to decay or an abscess.