Persistent pain of any nature should be checked by your dentist. Constant, severe pain usually indicates that a tooth is dying or infected. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain killers as advised by a pharmacist can help and avoid any precipitating factors – e.g. chewing hard foods or hot or cold drinks if this hurts. In all cases it is best to gets things checked as soon as possible. 

This is usually caused by infection and treatment will be required immediately. Contact the practice without delay. In the rare event a swelling in your mouth has become so large it is becoming seriously difficult to swallow or breathe, contact the hospital emergency immediately.

If the tooth is painful, avoid eating very hot or cold foods and chewing on that side. Painkillers may help. Contact the surgery to have the tooth assessed without too much delay as this may increase the risk of further damage to the tooth and possibly the nerve inside.

The tooth may be sensitive to temperature so avoid very hot or cold drinks. Avoid eating on that side so food does not get trapped in the gum which can cause discomfort. Keep the crown/bridge safe and bring it to your dentist, it should be re-cemented to avoid further damage to the underlying tooth and nerve.

Ensure you are following all post-operative advice. Avoid physical activity. Apply constant pressure to the wound with the gauze your dentist has supplied. A clean piece of cotton or (although it may sound strange) a wet teabag. Do not dab the wound but keep firm pressure on it for 10 – 15 minutes. If after this you are still concerned, contact the surgery.

A little pain and swelling following tooth extraction can usually be controlled by over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen/paracetamol). An ice pack applied to your face over the area may provide some additional relief. Ensure you avoid smoking and follow the post-operative advice given by your dentist. If you experience unusually severe pain not helped by these measures, or, which persist after a few days, please contact the surgery.

Broken dentures can usually be repaired and we have arrangements with local laboratories to have this done as quickly as possible. Contact the practice to arrange an appointment. If you live close by you may wish to call in during our opening hours, if a clinician is free they will check what needs to be done, however you may need to come back if an impression is needed or we are very busy. Contacting us early will allow us to get a repair organized as quickly as possible for you.

The tooth needs to be re-implanted as soon as possible. Immediately call us for an emergency appointment. Avoid touching the root to prevent microscopic damage to where the bone will attach after we re-implant. The most critical to the success of re-implantation is the time the tooth been out of the mouth and the storage media. Store in distilled water or milk and call us immediately. Do not attempt to clean the tooth even If the tooth is visibly dirty. If the tooth hasn’t fully come out and has just been pushed out of position, avoid eating or wiggling the tooth and contact us immediately.