Dental Emergency? What To Do

Go to A&E or call 999 if you have swelling that affects your breathing, swallowing or vision, bleeding that won't stop, or a serious injury to the face or jaw. Outside our opening hours, call NHS 111 for urgent dental advice.

For anything else, contact us as early in the day as you can and we'll do our best to see you quickly.

Contact the practice

WhatsApp us Call 01942 722224

Toothache

Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Over-the-counter painkillers can help: follow the dose on the packet, and check with a pharmacist if you're unsure. Don't put painkillers directly on your gum, as this can burn it. Contact us if the pain doesn't settle, or if you have swelling or a temperature.

A knocked-out adult tooth

Act fast. The sooner the tooth goes back, the better its chance of surviving.

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
If it's dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or saline. Don't scrub it.
If you can, gently push it back into its socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
If you can't put it back, keep it in milk or tuck it inside your cheek (not for young children, who might swallow it).
Get to a dentist immediately.

Don't put a baby tooth back in, as this can damage the adult tooth underneath. Contact us for advice.

A chipped or broken tooth

Keep any pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and contact us. If the tooth is sharp, sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax from a pharmacy can cover the edge temporarily.

A lost filling or crown

Keep the crown safe and bring it with you. A temporary dental filling kit from a pharmacy can protect the tooth for a short time. Never use household glue.

Problems with braces or aligners

Wire poking your cheek: cover the end with orthodontic wax. If you can, gently push it flat with the rubber end of a pencil. Don't cut it yourself.
Loose or broken bracket: contact us, and don't pick at it. Keep any loose parts.
Lost or broken aligner or retainer: contact us straight away for advice on what to wear in the meantime.

Orthodontic problems can usually wait until the next working day, but they still need fixing. See our guide to eating with braces to help avoid breakages.

How much does an emergency appointment cost?