Is it an emergency?
These dental emergencies require care as soon as possible:
- bleeding that won’t stop
- swelling restricting breathing or extending to the eyes
- a knocked out secondary tooth
Don’t wait. Seek immediate assistance.
- The NHS emergency helpline is available 24/7 for advice or help. If you’re in England call 111.
- Your local SpaDental practice answer machine offers advice out-of-hours.
Immediate care for unexpected problems
We aim to help patients make appointments for the treatment of dental problems that are urgent. That is, conditions that are causing pain, distress, swelling or bleeding, but are not an emergency.
Urgent appointments are frequently requested for:
- severe toothache
- an abscessed tooth (and related swelling that is not life-threatening)
- a lost crown
- a broken or chipped tooth
We understand that some dental problems, even if not classed as an emergency or urgent, can still be painful or socially awkward. Therefore, to facilitate access to dental relief and care:
- Our dentists set aside time each day for patients to receive essential emergency care.
- It is best to call the practice as early as possible for a same-day appointment, as the diary fills up quickly.
- We aim to see you as soon as possible to provide treatment.
- We also accept emergency calls for private treatment from visitors to the area who are not registered with us.
Make an appointment for urgent care or advice
- If you need immediate dental care, your local SpaDental practice answer machine offers advice out-of-hours.
- For urgent dental care, contact your local SpaDental practice to arrange an appointment.
- Please note that procedures and charges for urgent appointments may vary between SpaDental practices.
What do I do about a knocked out tooth?
A knocked out tooth is a common emergency.
While a chipped tooth is not urgent, a tooth that is knocked out needs attention as soon as possible to save it.
- Apply pressure to the tooth site to control bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to control swelling.
- Put the tooth in a container covered with a little cow’s milk or saliva.
- Only touch the crown of the tooth, not the root.
- An adult may be able to store the tooth between the gum and lip.
- See a dentist as soon as possible, as the tooth can sometimes be replanted.
What can I take for my toothache until I can see a dentist?
Advice for pain management:
- Ask a pharmacist for advice on pain medication.
- Check any medication you have been prescribed, and follow the recommended dosage.
- Take care if you take non-prescription painkillers.
- Follow the instructions for use.
- Ask a healthcare professional about compatibility with other medications.
- Remember:
- A painkiller only disguises the problem.
- Do not rely on them, and
- Do not avoid treatment.
- Rinse the mouth with salty water.
- Avoid things that are very hot, cold, sweet or spicy.
- Eat soft foods to avoid pressure.
- Try some gum numbing gel (if there’s a chemist open).
