At Farm Street Dental Practice, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and painful. Knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Below, you can find advice on what you should do in the event of common dental emergencies before you visit us at the practice.
If you need to see a dentist out of hours, follow these steps:
Call NHS 111: They can help you find an out-of-hours dental service near you.
Learn more on the NHS website.
A severe toothache can be a sign of an underlying problem. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out, and gently floss to remove any food particles. Avoid placing aspirin or any other painkiller directly on the gums, as this can burn the tissue.
Contact us immediately so we can assess and treat the cause of your pain.
If a tooth has been knocked out, time is of the essence. Hold the tooth by the crown (the part that is visible in the mouth) and rinse it gently with water if it's dirty. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket. If this isn’t feasible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or saline solution.
Contact us right away for emergency assistance.
If a filling or crown falls out, keep it safe and make an appointment with us as soon as possible.
In the meantime, you can use over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily cover the exposed area to protect it from damage or infection.
An abscess is a serious infection that typically occurs at the root of a tooth or between the teeth and gums. It can cause severe pain and swelling and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution several times a day to help draw the pus to the surface and relieve discomfort.
Contact us immediately for urgent care, as abscesses require prompt treatment.