If a dental emergency occurs it is important to inform us as soon as possible - booking for a professional evaluation is vital to minimize damage to the teeth, gums and supporting bone.
An appointment with a dentist is almost always required, to alleviate pain and to ensure the tooth has the best possible chance of survival. At ConfiDental Care we aim to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Types of dental emergencies and when to call your dentist:
• Trauma – broken or lost a tooth
• Uncontrolled bleeding following an extraction
• Unbearable tooth ache
• If you are having difficulty swallowing
• Swelling and sensitivity in the mouth (Should the swelling start to affect the neck area, you should urgently attend Accident and Emergency)
• Tooth decay or infection (e.g. abscess)
• Damaged dentures, bridges, braces or crowns
If you are suffering from one of the above concerns or have a problem that is not on the list, please do not hesitate to call us on
020 8289 3388.
Short-term action
Short-term action can be taken to relieve severe oral pain. It is common for patients suffering from dental pain to take over-the-counter medication in combination; such as paracetamol and/or an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen (please check these do not interfere with other medication that you may be taking).
In case of an emergency please call
111 for out-of-hours assistance.
General advice for dental pain
No one deserves to experience dental pain. If you are suffering from pain right now, there are two things you can do:
Painful tooth/teeth – Most short term dental pain can be treated with analgesics, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen (NB – please ensure these do not interfere with other medications that you may be taking). If the pain is particularly severe, ibuprofen and paracetamol can be taken in combination, but do not exceed the stated dose and ideally contact us.
To reduce swelling and, potentially, minimise the pain gently apply an ice pack to the affected area and contact the practice. Should the swelling start to affect the neck area, you should urgently attend Accident and Emergency.
Wisdom tooth pain – Where there is apparent swelling of the gum overlying or around the tooth, a warm salt water rinse (two teaspoons of salt in a full mug of warm water) should be held in the mouth for thirty seconds over the affected area and then gently rinsed out. This should be repeated a few times a day. Be careful not to swallow the rinse.
Post-operative instructions for same-day tooth extraction
- Rest for a few hours and avoid strenuous exercise for the day. Ideally, rest by sitting in a chair and use an extra pillow the first night.
- Avoid eating or drinking for at least two hours after treatment.
- Do not consume any alcoholic drinks for 24 hours and avoid smoking.
- If a ‘swab’ is in place, retain it for at least 30 minutes after leaving the surgery and dispose of it carefully afterward.
- Should the wound bleed, dampen a swab and place it over the socket with light pressure for 15 – 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. (NOTE – Avoid using tissue as this can tear away the clot and leave the wound exposed).
- Take painkillers, if you suffer any discomfort, suitable for you, and do not exceed the dosage.
- Rinse your mouth gently with a warm salt solution AFTER 24 HOURS by leveling a teaspoon of salt to a warm cup of water and carry this out after meals and before bed for seven days or as advised by your dentist.
- You may feel the sharp edge of the socket with your tongue and occasionally small fragments of bone may work their way out. This is normal.
- Do not disturb the socket with your tongue, eating food on that side, or by vigorous rinsing. This hinders delay the healing process.
- Applying a cold ice pack immediately – will help reduce any swelling.
If you are concerned, please contact the practice on 020 8289 3388 or email info@confidentalcare.co.uk.
