Dental Emergency

For out-of-hours emergency dentist, ring NHS Direct and ask to speak to a dental nurse.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Carefully hold ice on area. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, or if it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, go to the dentist or Casualty Department.

Knocked Out Tooth
Find the tooth. Pick it up by the top (crown), not the root portion. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth much. Try to place back in its socket. Hold tooth in place by biting on clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup of milk or water. See a dentist immediately. Time is critical in saving the tooth.

Broken Tooth
Rinse any dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

Cold Sores / Apthous Ulcers
Usually over-the-counter creams give relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist or change shape, color, size, etc. Cold sores are infectious, and according to current infection control guidelines, your dental treatment will be continued after your coldsore has healed completely.

Broken Denture, Bridge, or Plate
Bring all the pieces with you. While it is usually not possible to "glue" it back together, having the pieces may assist the dentist in planning the repair. Do not attempt to glue together at home. The dentist will expedite the new order through the lab. In the meantime, temporary bridges, plates and dentures can keep you comfortable and confident in your smile.

Abscess (or severely swollen gums )
Make an appointment immediately! It is an infection and it needs treatment. Don't attempt to treat this yourself. Abscesses are serious. Do not use ice. Do not place aspirin on tooth. Do not rely on over-the-counter medications except for temporary pain control whilst waiting for your appointment time.