We will always endeavour to help you as soon as possible in the case that you experience a dental emergency, as we realise how painful and uncomfortable it can be. The first question you need to ask yourself before calling an emergency dentist is whether the problem is urgent. Certain dental problems can wait for treatment, while others need attention as quickly as possible.

Urgent dental emergencies would include:

• Painful swelling
• If one of your permanent teeth has been knocked out
• An injury to your jaw
• An extremely painful toothache
• Bleeding around a tooth that won’t stop

These kind of problems need immediate attention, so you should call us if you are experiencing any of these problems. If it’s outside of our opening hours and you are unable to contact your dentist, go straight to your local A&E department.

Non-urgent dental emergencies would include:

• A broken or damaged brace or night guard
• A lost filling, crown or bridge
• A broken or cracked tooth that isn’t causing you severe pain
• Toothache which is a dull pain rather than severe pain
• If you are unable to dislodge food from between your teeth

What should you do if you have a dental emergency?

• Try to stay calm
• If you’re experiencing bleeding, swelling or an abscess has burst, try dissolving some salt in hot water and use it as a mouthwash.
• Did your tooth get knocked out? Try to replace it into your gum. If this is not possible, place it in a glass of milk until you can see a dentist.
• Has a crown fallen off? If possible, coat the inside with some toothpaste or denture adhesive and slip it over the tooth. If you can’t do this, take it with you to your emergency dental appointment.
• If you’ve got food trapped between your teeth or you’re experiencing pain around one specific tooth, try flossing to remove it, if this is not successful come straight to the dentist.
• A cold compresses can be used to help reduce swelling and to stop any bleeding.