Emergency Dental Advice

With the current situation Dental treatment is very limited throughout the country to cover acute dental emergencies in specialist centres.

These centres are in demand with huge waiting times and limited treatment.

The advice below is to try and help our patients avoid this situation and hopefully aid them through this difficult time.

1.WHAT DO I DO IF A DENTAL EMERGENCY OCCURS?

For minor problems please follow our advice throughout this website.
For severe problems such as uncontrollable pain and swelling which is impeding your breathing – you should seek help at your local A & E .

2.I HAVE A BROKEN TOOTH WHAT SHOULD I DO?

You should try to avoid extremes of hot and cold.
Keep the tooth as clean as possible using warm water to brush this area until you can get it fixed.
Temporary fillings to cover broken teeth are available from most chemists if the area is sensitive or sharp.
It may be possible to smooth sharp areas with a small nail file.
Do not put too much biting pressure on this area.

3.I HAVE A LOOSE CROWN WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Keep this area as clean as possible.
Avoid heavy pressure in this area.
Should the crown loosen and it can be removed- then remove it and get a temporary filling material from boots or a chemist and cover the whole area where the crown was originally. Keep the crown safe.
Once covered and set continue to keep this area clean until future treatment is possible.

4. WHAT WILL HELP CONTROL DENTAL PAIN?

Usually most dental pain can be controlled by over the counter products eg. Paracetamol /Ibuprofen
Mild pain Guide for Adults
– Paracetamol 500mg 2 tablets 4 times per day (max.4g in 24 hours) or
– Ibuprofen 400mg 1 tablet 4 times per day (after food) -(Paracetamol preferable)
Moderate pain Guide for Adults
– Ibuprofen 400mg (up to 600mg) 4 times per day (after food) max 2.4 mg, and then 2 hours later Paracetamol 500mg 2 tablets 4 times per day
Or
Diclofenac Sodium Tablets 50mg. 1 tablet 3 times per day (max.150mg in 24 hours).
Check with your pharmacist first (especially if you have an active peptic ulcer, liver disease, pregnancy or breast feeding) and follow the recommended doses!
Call visit A and E or call us and leave a message should you have swelling visible on your face affecting your vision or breathing.

5. MY GUMS BLEED?

Massage your gums with a soft \ medium toothbrush and use a corsodyle mouthwash until future treatment can be carried out.

6.BLEEDING FOLLOWING AN EXTRACTION?

Rinse out once to clear the blood.
Place a rolled damp hanky over the site from where the tooth was removed and bite down for 20 minutes- repeat as needed.
Do not smoke for 5 days.
Remain at rest, avoid exercise
Take your usual medication.
Should problems persists please contact us.

7.I HAVE A PAINFUL LOOSE TOOTH.

Use medication \ painkillers and avoid pressure in this area.
Should excessive swelling occur use our answer machine for advice.

8.MY BRACE HAS COME LOOSE.

Avoid this area when eating.
Try to bend any wire causing irritation.
Use ortho wax to alleviate trauma- available at boots or amazon.