When you have a dental emergency, get in touch as soon as you can. We will do our very best to see you as soon as possible so you aren’t in pain for longer than necessary.
We understand how distressing a dental emergency can be. Try not to ignore a tooth related emergency as it can lead to permanent damage or require more complex treatment if not addressed swiftly.
The following tips may help alleviate your discomfort or protect a damaged tooth:
Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Any swelling can be eased with a cold compress and you can also take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – but be sure to follow the instructions on the packet.
Lost filling
Insert a temporary filling material or sugar-free gum into the cavity.
Lost crown
If the crown is still intact, you can use an over-the-counter dental cement or sugar-free gum to stick it temporarily 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 or broken teeth
Keep any little pieces of tooth then rinse your mouth with warm water. A cold compress will help reduce any swelling and you can apply a piece of gauze to any bleeding areas. Try to avoid eating if there is any pain.
Knocked out tooth
Hold the tooth carefully by the crown (the part that normally shows in your mouth) and rinse gently with water, being careful not to 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).
Abscess
These infections, which occur around the tooth root or in the space between the teeth and gums, can cause serious damage if left untreated, so do see us if you discover a painful spot-like swelling on your gum. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm salty water several times a day and if you experience severe pain and swelling, together with flu-like symptoms, then head straight to A&E.
Contact us as soon as you can
During our opening hours
Call us on our practice number – 020 8441 6201
