Severe pain, facial swelling, a broken tooth or a tooth knocked out after a blow all need prompt care. Call us as soon as possible on 022 363 11 00 and describe your situation: we will tell you what to do next.
During reception hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm): call the practice on 022 363 11 00.
Outside working days: call the on-call doctors' telephone line on 0848 133 133, for non-life-threatening emergencies in children and adults. It directs you to the on-call dentist according to your situation and where you live.
In a life-threatening situation: call 144, in particular for difficulty breathing linked to a dental infection, major swelling that threatens the airway, feeling generally unwell together with toothache, or bleeding that cannot be stopped.
Pain: take a common painkiller, such as paracetamol, if you have no contraindication. Never put aspirin directly on the gum: it can burn the tissue.
Swelling: apply a cold compress to your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
Cleaning: gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Broken tooth: keep the fragments if you can, in milk or saline solution, and bring them to your appointment.
Tooth knocked out completely: do not touch the root, hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it gently with water, without scrubbing. Put it back in its socket if you can, otherwise keep it in cold milk or saline solution. For a young child, prefer milk. Act quickly: the chances of re-implanting the tooth fall with time, ideally within 30 minutes. A baby tooth should not be put back, but do still get it checked.
Often caused by deep decay or an infection. Pain that wakes you at night or does not respond to painkillers should be examined promptly.
A swollen cheek or gum, sometimes with a fever, often points to an infection that needs a prompt examination.
Even without pain, a fracture should be checked to protect the tooth and stop it breaking further.
Pain or bleeding after an extraction or other treatment: contact the practice, or the on-call doctors' line outside working days.
Call the on-call doctors' line on 0848 133 133. In a life-threatening situation, dial 144.
Yes, it is best to have it checked. A fracture can get worse and reach the nerve of the tooth.
It may ease for a while, but the cause (deep decay, infection) is still there. It is better to be seen without waiting.
Stay calm, follow the steps above and call us. If your child lost consciousness or is vomiting after the blow, call 144.
This advice does not replace the opinion of a healthcare professional.