In An Emergency

In case of emergency 

If you have a problem during surgery hours, please telephone the practice immediately on 01329 843162 and we will ensure that you're offered an appointment on a priority basis. 

During weekends and bank holidays please call us on the same number and follow the answering machine instructions for emergency arrangements. 

A guide to some common emergencies

Outlined below are a few helpful guides to assist you when dealing with dental emergencies:

Broken tooth/lost filling

If you have a broken tooth or a lost filling, please don’t panic. Usually these situations are only irritating to the tongue and a little sensitive, and you probably don’t need to visit an emergency clinic. Keep the area as clean as you can and contact the practice at your earliest convenience.

Lost crown

If the tooth is not sensitive or unsightly, keep the crown in a safe place and contact us at your earliest convenience. If the tooth is sensitive or unsightly you can get some temporary crown cement from your local chemist. Please do not use any other glue based materials as this may prevent us from being able to re-cement the crown permanently.

Painful wisdom teeth

Sometimes food gets trapped beneath the piece of gum that covers the wisdom tooth. This can cause swelling, heat and occasionally prevent full opening of the mouth. In such cases, the best thing to do is keep the area clean using a toothbrush and chlorohexidine mouthwash (which can be purchased from the chemist). You may also need some pain killers – any that would normally be taken for headaches are suitable. If this does not resolve the problem then please contact the practice.

Dislodged teeth due to trauma

If a baby tooth has been knocked out completely or pushed up into the gum, please try not to worry. Usually tender loving care, pain relieving medication and reassurance will see you through until you can get to see us. It is, however, very important that you contact us as soon as possible as this will need careful monitoring.
For adult teeth, it may occasionally be possible to save teeth that have been completely knocked out. Most importantly, do not clean the tooth, no matter what condition it is in. Store the tooth in either the person's mouth or milk until you reach hospital. If the tooth has just been cracked or chipped but is not too painful then please do not be overly concerned. Contact us as soon as possible and we will be able to help.

For any more serious accidents, please visit the A&E department of your nearest hospital.