Dental emergencies such as a lost or cracked tooth can be a frightening experience, but don’t panic! At Cliftonville we understand the need to deal with these types of situations as soon as possible and reserve time every day for both registered and unregistered emergencies. Here’s what to do while you’re waiting for your appointment.
- If you have toothache
Don’t ignore the pain! Take an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and call the practice on 01604 604545 to make an appointment.
- If you’ve lost a crown
Keep the crown safe and call us immediately. The sooner we can see you, the better the chances that we can re-cement it successfully.
- If you have a loose tooth
If an accident has loosened a tooth, try moving the tooth back to its approximate original position (without forcing it). Hold the tooth in place with a moist tissue until you get to our practice.
- If you’ve knocked out a tooth
Find the tooth and rinse it, taking care not to touch the root. If possible, place it back in its socket within 30 minutes of the incident. If you can’t do this, put it in a glass of cold milk – this will keep it in good condition until we can deal with your emergency.
- If you’ve broken a tooth
You’d be surprised how often we can successfully repair broken teeth. Avoid very hot or cold drinks, try not to bite on the area, and call us for an emergency appointment.
- If your filling has fallen out
Arrange an appointment and we’ll carry out a temporary repair as soon as possible to prevent further problems occurring
- If you’ve broken a denture
Don’t try to fix it yourself! Contact us as soon as possible and we’ll advise you.
Keep an emergency kit on hand
Keeping an emergency dental kit at home can help you temporarily deal with the problem until you get professional treatment. Your kit should include:
- Latex gloves
- Paracetamol/Ibuprofen (for sudden severe pain or swelling)
- Antiseptic mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton wool balls/gauze
- Clove oil (a natural remedy for toothache)
- A small container (to keep loose teeth in)
- Sugar-free gum (to temporarily fix a loose filling)
Remember that prevention is better than cure – you can reduce the chances of developing serious oral health issues by attending regular dental check-ups and making an appointment as soon as your symptoms appear. Don’t ignore a serious toothache!
Please note that calling first thing in the morning will increase your chances of obtaining a prompt appointment. If you require dental attention, please do not hesitate to contact us or call 01604808825.