What should I do in the event of an emergency?
Please phone the practice as early as possible in the morning so that we can arrange to see you as soon as possible. Outside normal working hours, please call our normal number 01202 872614 and follow the instructions on the answer phone (The outside hours service is only available to our registered patients.)

I have knocked a tooth out
The tooth needs to be re-implanted as soon as possible. If you can, place the tooth gently back into the socket and splint it in place with silver foil. If this is not possible, do not rinse the tooth or put it in water. Place it in some cold milk, and attend the practice immediately. Usually it is possible to re-implant the tooth, although the success rate is lowered if the tooth is out of the mouth for more than an hour.

I have toothache
If you have a constant pain, this indicates that there is something wrong that is unlikely to get better. Painkillers are usually necessary and if you are able to take them, ibuprofen tablets are usually the best. If you are not able to take ibuprofen, paracetamol is the usual alternative, but be careful not to exceed the maximum dose. Do not place any tablets next to the tooth, especially aspirin.
Often pain can be well controlled with tablets for a few days, but you should phone us as soon as possible to arrange to be seen for persistent pain.

I have a swelling
This is usually caused by an infection and treatment or antibiotics may be required. Please contact the practice as soon as possible .

I have broken my Denture
Broken dentures are usually easily repaired in 24 hours. Please resist the temptation to glue them together yourself as this often makes a repair impossible. If the denture has cracked or fractured in two parts an impression is not usually necessary. If you have fractured a clasp or lost a tooth completely, an impression will be required, in which case please phone the practice for an appointment.

I have fractured a tooth
Please do not panic, as it is rare for these not to be restorable. If the tooth is not immediately painful, avoid hot and cold foods. If there is some pain, try to avoid eating on that side or touching the area. Painkillers can often help.

In both circumstances an early appointment is essential to prevent further damage to the tooth and possibly the nerve inside.

I have lost a crown
Please keep the crown safe, so it can be re-cemented for you. If the underlying tooth is sensitive avoid eating near it, and drink tepid drinks only.

Check that your crown is not broken and if any attached post is intact. If there is breakage, please inform the receptionist when you call.

In any circumstance, it is essential that the tooth be resealed, by re-cementing the crown. Failure to do so can lead to further damage and the necessity for root treatments to be repeated.

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