We aim to fit emergencies on the same day or within 24hrs, but we have to prioritise the most urgent ones: this is why you will be asked detailed questions by our Admin Team, and may get a call back from one of our Dental Nurses, to ascertain the precise nature of your problem. It is important not to ignore a dental emergency as it can lead to permanent damage or require more complicated treatment if not swiftly addressed. However we can sometimes help relieve the acute problem without you having to come to the surgery.

What to do if you experience:

Toothache 

Take painkillers regularly to help relieve the pain. You can use paracetamol or ibuprofen, but please remember to follow the instructions on the packet.

Lost a filling 

Insert a temporary shop-bought dental filling material into the cavity or use sugar-free chewing gum.

Lost a crown

If the crown is still intact, you can use an over-the-counter dental cement or sugar-free gum to stick it in place, but please don’t use superglue.

If your crown is broken, keep all the pieces and cover the cavity in the same way as a lost filling.

Chipped a tooth

Keep any small pieces and rinse your mouth with warm water. A cold compress will help reduce any swelling, and you can apply a piece of gauze to stop any bleeding.

Keep the tooth piece in milk and call the practice for an emergency appointment (or water containing a pinch of salt).

Knocked out a tooth  

We will be much more likely to save the tooth if you see us quickly, so call us as soon as you can.

Hold the tooth carefully by the crown (the part that would normally be visible in your mouth) and rinse gently with water, but DO NOT scrub or remove any little bits of tissue.

Try to put the tooth back in position, making sure it is the right way round. If this is not possible, then place it in some milk (or water containing a pinch of salt).

Lost baby tooth  

This is not normally considered an emergency unless the gum is damaged or parts of the tooth are still embedded. Child-friendly painkillers can be given, while ice lollies may help relieve pain and swelling.

Never try to re-implant a baby tooth as it could damage the new adult tooth in the gum.

An abscess  

Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water and apply a cold compress to ease any swelling. If you experience intense pain and swelling, accompanied by flu-like symptoms, you should go to your nearest A&E department.