Emergencies
What should I do in an event of a dental emergency?
WEEKDAYS
Please call the practice as early as possible in the morning so we can arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
Chiswick Health Centre: 020 8994 6202
We allocate these on a first come first serve basis
WEEKENDS AND BANK HOLIDAYS?
Please call the practice for information regarding various options available.
Chiswick Health Centre: 020 8994 6202
NHS OUT OF HOURS HELPLINE
Dial:111
Common Dental Emergencies
I HAVE A TOOTH ACHE
If you have a constant pain, this indicates there is something wrong that requires attention. Painkillers are usually necessary. Contact the practice to arrange an emergency appointment as soon as possible.
I RECENTLY HAD A FILLING
The tooth can ache for up to forty-eight hours, especially if it was large. It is also possible to have sensitivity from hot and cold stimuli. If the tooth feels tender upon biting, it is possible that the filling is proud and needs smoothing down.
If the problems have not settled in forty-eight hours, please contact the practice for advice.
I HAVE A SWELLING
This is usually caused by an infection. Usually treatment and/or antibiotics will be required. You must contact the practice as soon as possible.
I HAVE FRACTURED A TOOTH
Please do not panic as these can usually be restored. If the tooth is painful, avoid hot and cold foods. If there is pain try to avoid eating or biting on that side. Painkillers can often help. An early appointment is usually necessary to avoid further damage to the tooth and possibly the nerve inside. We can easily provide a temporary restoration.
I HAVE LOST A CROWN
Please keep the crown safe, so it can be re-cemented for you. If the underlying tooth is painful avoid eating near it and drink tepid drinks only. It is essential that the crown is re-cemented as failure to do so can lead to further damage and the necessity for root canal treatment.
I HAVE KNOCKED A TOOTH OUT
The tooth needs to be re-implanted as soon as possible. DO NOT place the tooth in water. DO place it in some cold milk or on one side of your mouth between you teeth and cheeks until you can be seen either by a local hospital emergency dental department or us. Try not to handle the tooth root too much to protect the fibres around the root surface.
I HAVE BROKEN MY DENTURE
Broken dentures can usually be repaired relatively easily. Please resist the temptation to glue them together yourself as this often makes a repair very difficult. Please call the practice to organise the repair.
