Dental Emergencies

Accidents can lead to unexpected and spur of the moment emergency dental care. Follow our instructions to get the assistance you need in a dental emergency.

What is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies come in many forms, and it may be hard to pinpoint whether you are experiencing a true dental emergency. Typically, a dental emergency needs immediate treatment to alleviate severe pain, save a tooth or stop bleeding. 

If you are unsure whether you are having a dental emergency, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you in excruciating pain?
• Did you lose a tooth?
• Are any of your teeth loose?
• Is there an infection in your mouth?
• Are you bleeding?

Answering yes to any of these questions typically indicates that you are experiencing a dental emergency. If this is the case, call us immediately.

Common Dental Emergencies

There are many dental issues that are considered dental emergencies. Here are some common dental emergencies (but not an exhaustive list):

Knocked Out Tooth

There is a very small window of time to save a permanent tooth that has been knocked out entirely. If we can see you within two hours, there is a chance of saving the tooth and having it re-root. In the case of a knocked out tooth, the sooner we see you, the better. 

If the knocked out tooth looks clean, pick it up by the top, not the root. Rinse it without scrubbing, place it back in the socket and softly bite down to hold it in place. This may not be possible, if, for example, the tooth is too dirty or there’s a chance of the person swallowing the tooth. The next best thing you can do is put the tooth in a container of cold milk and get to the dental practice right away — call first, so we know you’re en route. 

Chipped or Broken Tooth

When teeth become damaged, give us a call to explain the extent of the damage and explain how it happened. There are a few different ways we can save a chipped or broken tooth. Depending on the severity of the damage, we may repair it with a composite filling, or more serious breaks may require root canal treatment or a dental crown. 

Toothache

There are many potential causes for a toothache. The best course of action is to call our practice and ask to be seen as soon as possible, so we can find and treat the source of the tooth pain. You can take over-the-counter pain medication in the meantime, but do not put the pills on the sore tooth directly. You can also use a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your cheek where the sore tooth is located. Do not use any source of heat, as that can make the situation worse. 

Badly Bitten Lip or Tongue

Seeing blood gives many people reason to panic, however, in some cases the bleeding can be controlled without medical help. If the lip is swollen, an ice pack can keep the swelling down. 

Use a clean cloth to press down on the part of the mouth or lip that is bleeding. Gentle pressure on the area may cause the bleeding to slow and stop. If it does not, go to the emergency room at the hospital as you may require stitches or other medical intervention. 

Lost Filling

On the uncommon occasion a filling comes out, it leaves your tooth vulnerable. Give us a call, so we can replace the filling. In the meantime, put a piece of softened sugarless chewing gum over the area where the filling came out to keep it protected in the short term.

Food or Another Object Stuck Between Teeth

Getting an object stuck between your teeth is uncomfortable, and causes stress if you can’t remove it. Before you panic and come down to the dental practice, calmly and gently try to remove the object with dental floss. Do not use sharp or pointed objects to try and pry the item loose, as these devices can cause injury to your gums or tooth surface.

If you are unable to free the object on your own with dental floss, please call the practice, and we will advise you on next steps.

What to Do When a Dental Emergency Occurs

We always endeavour to see patients on the day their dental emergency occurs. In case of a dental emergency, please contact the practice immediately on 01732 865021. 

It’s best you call ahead of your arrival at the practice, if possible, so we can prepare a surgery for you, or direct you to the nearest hospital instead.

Dental Emergencies During Practice Hours

When you call us, you will need to tell us what happened, the state of the affected area and report any additional symptoms. We will advise you on next steps, including when we can see you, whether you should go to the hospital emergency and how to care for the affected area in the meantime. 

Our dental practice is located on Station Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5NB. Please see our contact page for our opening hours.

Dental Emergencies When Our Practice is Closed

If you require emergency treatment outside opening hours, please telephone the practice anyhow. We have a recorded message detailing the specific arrangements for that day, so you know exactly who to contact or where to go to get the help you require.

Not Sure if You’re Experiencing a Dental Emergency?

In times of stress, you may be unsure whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency, or you need some restorative dental care or something else entirely. After reading through this page, if you’re still unsure you’re having a dental emergency, call us, and we’ll tell you what to do.

Dental Care When You Need It Most

Whether you’re concerned about pain or long term damage, we’re always here when you need us. Give us a call at any time, and if our dental practice is closed for the day, you’ll hear a reassuring recorded message that explains who to contact. At Southview Dental Care, we make it a priority to help our patients when they need it