Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, please contact 020 8789 7797
If you experience a dental emergency, we aim to see you as quickly as possible to help alleviate pain and offer any immediately necessary treatment.
For any out of hour’s emergency, contact the NHS emergency line on 111.
Managing Dental Issues
Managing mouth ulcers
Although painful, most ulcers will heal within 7-10 days. If an ulcer or oral lesion doesn’t heal after 3 weeks, it should be assessed by a dentist or doctor. Discomfort from ulcers can be relieved with:
- Warm salty mouthwash.
- Excellent cleaning (even if it is painful to brush, the mouth must be kept clean to encourage healing and prevent more ulcers forming).
- Difflam (Benzydamine) spray or mouthwash as needed.
- Soft diet (soft food will reduce trauma from biting).
- Painkillers (following packet instructions).
- Rubbing dentures, if present. Any sharp edges can be removed using an emery board. Denture adhesives like fixodent may help secure a loose denture. Remove dentures when possible if causing trauma.
- Corsodyl mouthwash (avoid use for over a week as may cause staining).
Managing pain after extraction
Continue to take regular painkillers for several days after extraction; it is normal for the pain to be at its worst at day 3-4. Some pink spit/oozing is normal after an extraction, but if the socket is bleeding freely, bite hard on gauze or a clean hankie for 20 minutes. If bleeding has not stopped, call your dentist.
If the site has become infected, we will arrange for a course of antibiotics to clear the infection.
If you smoke or rinse too soon after an extraction, you risk a dry socket. This can be very painful and regular painkillers or antibiotics are unlikely to be effective. You should call your dentist for an emergency appointment.
Bleeding from gums is NOT a dental emergency. Bleeding gums are usually due to gum disease, and will not stop until brushing improves. Brush 2x a day with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes, concentrating especially on the areas that are bleeding. Use floss or te-pe brushes to clean between your teeth every day.
Managing toothache
Antibiotics will not help with sensitivity. Usually extreme sensitivity means that there is decay, which must be removed and filled. These home measures may help make symptoms manageable until care can be arranged:
- Regular cleaning with fluoride toothpaste after meals.
- Desensitising/sensitive toothpaste (like sensodyne repair and protect). Rub toothpaste directly on the affected area and do not rinse afterwards.
- Reducing sugar intake stops decay worsening.
- If there is a hole/crack in the tooth, a temporary filling can be packed into the space. These are widely available from supermarkets and pharmacies.
- Anaesthetic gel such as Orajel can help ease pain.
Managing wisdom tooth pain
Wisdom tooth pain is usually due to inflammation of the gum over the erupting tooth, which can be worsened by trauma from biting. Most flare ups should settle in a few days to a week, and can be managed with good home care:
- Excellent cleaning (even if it is painful to brush, the area must be kept clean to encourage healing).
- Corsodyl mouthwash (avoid use for more than one week as this may cause staining).
- Soft diet (soft food will reduce trauma from biting).
- Painkillers (following packet instructions).
- Warm salty mouthwash.
If you have difficulty swallowing, swelling in your face or cheek or difficulty opening your mouth, call your dentist. You may need antibiotics if an infection is spreading.
