What should I do in the event of an emergency?

Please call the practice as early as possible in the morning so that we can arrange to see you as soon as possible. Outside normal working hours, contact the on call Dentist via Teledent on 0795 6633221. If you have difficulties with this service please call Chris or Tina at home on their mobiles for advice. For Chris please call 07887 622938 and for Tina please call 07767 848020. There will be a call out fee of £75 plus up to £75 for any treatment received for using any of these services. Any person may now also call the Urgent NHS dental care for Dorset on 0845 7010401. They will decide if you need to be seen and arrange an emergency NHS appointment.

I have knocked a tooth out

The tooth needs to be re-implanted as soon as possible. If you can, place the tooth gently back into the socket and splint it in place with silver paper. If this is not possible, DO NOT RINSE OR PLACE THE TOOTH IN WATER. Place it in some cold milk and attend the practice immediately. Usually it is possible to re-implant the tooth, although the success rate is lowered if the tooth is out of the mouth for more than an hour.

I have a tooth ache

If you have a constant pain, this indicates that there is something wrong that is unlikely to get better. Painkillers are usually necessary and if you are able to take them, Ibuprofen tablets are usually the best. If you are not able to take Ibuprofen, Paracetamol is the usual alternative, but be careful not to exceed the maximum dose. Do NOT place any tablets, especially Aspirin next to the tooth.

I have a swelling

This is usually caused by an infection and treatment or antibiotics may be required. Please contact the practice as soon as possible.

I have broken my Denture

Broken dentures are usually easily repaired in a few hours. Please resist the temptation to glue them together yourself as this often makes a repair impossible. If the denture has cracked or fractured in two parts an impression is not usually necessary. If you have fractured a clasp or lost a tooth completely an impression will be required. Please call the practice for an appointment.

I have fractured a tooth

Please do not panic as it is rare for these not to be restorable. If the tooth is not immediately painful, avoid hot and cold foods. If there is some pain, try to avoid eating or touching the area. Painkillers can often help.

In both circumstances an early appointment is essential to prevent further damage to the tooth and possibly the nerve inside. We can easily provide a temporary restoration to seal the cavity and ensure it is pain free.

I have lost a crown

Please keep the crown safe, so it can be re-cemented for you. If the underlying tooth is sensitive avoid eating near it and drink tepid drinks only.

If the crown has a post attached to it, check to see if appears to be fractured. If so, please inform the receptionist when you call.

In any circumstance, it is essential that the tooth be re-sealed, be re-cementing the crown. Failure to do so can lead to further damage and the necessity for root treatments to be re done.