Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Knowing what to do in the first hour can make a real difference to the outcome. Here is a simple guide from our team in Bromley.
Knocked-out adult tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk, and see a dentist as quickly as possible, ideally within an hour.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Over-the-counter painkillers can help, following the instructions on the pack. Do not place aspirin on the gum. Book an appointment so the cause can be found and treated.
Chipped or broken tooth
Keep any pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress on your cheek if there is swelling. A chipped tooth can often be repaired with composite bonding or a crown.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown safe and avoid chewing on that side. A dentist can usually re-cement a crown or replace a filling quickly.
When to go to A&E instead
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or a facial injury after an accident. For urgent dental advice out of hours, you can also call NHS 111.
Emergency dentist in Bromley
If you need help, call Premier Dental Clinic in Bromley on 020 8460 9150 or see our emergency dentist page.
