Most dental emergencies are not dangerous, but they are painful and worrying. Acting quickly can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. Here is what to do for the most common problems.
Go to A&E or call 999 if
swelling in your face or neck is affecting your breathing, swallowing or vision
bleeding from your mouth will not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
you have a serious injury to your face or head
For anything else, call your dentist. Outside opening hours, call NHS 111.
Knocked-out adult tooth
Time matters most here. Ideally you want to see a dentist within an hour.
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part). Do not touch the root.
If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or with saliva. Do not scrub it.
Try to push it back into the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
If you cannot put it back, keep it in a cup of milk, or inside your cheek if you are an adult.
See a dentist straight away.
Do not try to put a baby tooth back in. It can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Bring your child to the dentist so we can check the area.
Chipped or broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water. If you can find the broken piece, keep it in milk and bring it with you, as it can sometimes be bonded back on. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek helps with swelling. Call us for an appointment.
Toothache
Rinse with warm salty water and gently floss around the tooth in case food is trapped. Take painkillers as directed on the packet. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue. If the pain lasts more than a day or two, or you have swelling or a fever, you need to see a dentist.
Lost filling or crown
If a crown comes off, keep it safe and bring it in, as we can often re-cement it. A temporary dental filling kit from a pharmacy can protect the tooth for a day or two. Avoid chewing on that side.
Swelling or abscess
A swelling in the gum, sometimes with a bad taste, usually means an infection. Antibiotics alone will not fix the cause, so you need to see a dentist. If the swelling spreads quickly or affects your breathing or swallowing, go to A&E.
Getting seen in Hendon
Sweetsmile offers same-day emergency appointments where possible, with an emergency consultation costing £20. You do not need to be registered. Call 020 8203 1599 or WhatsApp 07379 006009. More on our emergency dentist page.