Dental emergencies can occur without warning which is why we set aside time slots every day exclusively for dental emergencies. If you are in pain and have a dental emergency we will do everything possible to make sure you are seen promptly in one of our emergency dentist slots. We may ask questions to ensure that we book the right appointment for your dental emergency.
If you would like to see an emergency dentist during practice hours, please contact your surgery as soon in the day as is possible as emergency spaces are limited and do fill up quickly.
If you have an urgent dental emergency outside of the practice opening hours you should call the local dental helpline on 0845 53 33 230.
Types of Emergencies
Swelling
Swelling usually occurs due to a trauma or an infection. Patients with a swelling must telephone the practice or out of hours emergency number. Quick treatment for dental swellings is important.
Lost Fillings
Fillings can fall out from time to time, when they do it is important that they are treated by a dentist to prevent any infection or decay occurring as usually the more sensitive part of your tooth is left open. Your dentist may temporarily dress your tooth on an emergency appointment, and bring you back to have the tooth permanently filled when more time permits them to do so.
Broken Crowns
If a crown comes out you must keep it in a safe and secure place if possible to do so. Please ensure that you bring your crown with you to the practice as we may be able to reattach it. If the crown is intact and near the front of your mouth, you can try to re-attach the crown using some denture fixative until you can be seen at the practice. Please do not attempt to use any glues or cements yourself.
Avoid putting pressure and eating on the crown if you have re-attached it this way. If you cannot get an appointment before going to bed for the night, ensure you take the crown back out to avoid the possibility of swallowing it if it comes loose during the night.
Broken or Fractured Teeth
If you snap or fracture a tooth it is important that you book in to see your dentist. If the tooth is giving you pain, avoid very hot or cold food and drinks. If possible avoid putting pressure on the area until the tooth has been stabilised by your dentist.
Broken Dentures
Broken dentures can usually be fixed. If your denture breaks, you should not continue to wear the denture if it causes pain or puts unnecessary stress on the denture when doing so. Bring your denture along to the practice, where we will try and send it off to one of our dental laboratories to be fixed. Sometimes this isn’t always possible and a replacement denture may be necessary. Please do not attempt to fix dentures yourself.
