What counts as a dental emergency?
If something doesn’t feel right and it’s affecting your day, it’s worth a call. These are the situations we’d like to see you for as soon as we can:
- Severe or ongoing toothache that pain relief isn’t easing.
- Swelling in your face, jaw or gums.
- A tooth that has been knocked out or pushed out of place.
- A broken, chipped or cracked tooth that is painful or has a sharp edge.
- Bleeding from your mouth that won’t stop.
- A lost crown or filling that is causing pain.
What can usually wait?
Some problems are uncomfortable but not urgent. A small chip with no pain, mild sensitivity, or a lost filling that isn’t hurting can usually be looked at in a regular appointment.
If you’re not sure, call us. We’ll listen, help you decide what to do next and find a time that works for you.
What to do while you wait
A few simple steps can help you stay comfortable until we see you.
- Rinse gently with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Hold a cold pack against the outside of your cheek to help with swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet.
- Avoid chewing on the sore side and steer clear of very hot or cold food and drink.
A knocked-out tooth
Hold it by the crown, rinse gently, and put it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk. Call us straight away; the sooner we see you the better the chance of saving it.
After hours
If you have an emergency outside of our operating hours, please phone your local hospital or medical centre’s general phone number.
If you have swelling that is spreading quickly or affecting your breathing or swallowing, or bleeding you can’t control, call 111.
