Do you need an emergency appointment?

It is possible to temporarily replace a filling with chewing gum! Always use sugar free gum, which can be chewed up and inserted into the cavity. Biting down on the tooth and grinding slightly should help to push the gum down into the tooth and level it. This will help to protect the tooth and stop any pain until you can visit us.

Remember not to chew on the tooth in the meantime. Alternatively, your local pharmacy will sell temporary filling paste – dry the cavity carefully with a cotton bud and just press in a very small amount. Again, remember to bite you teeth together afterwards and grind from side to side to make sure that it doesn’t get in the way of your bite.

If your crown is in one piece it can be re-attached with denture fixative or a VERY small amount of temporary filling paste, both of which can be purchased from your local pharmacy. NEVER use household glues or superglue to re-attach a filling or crown.

Children frequently have bumps and accidents – sometimes they can knock out baby teeth slightly earlier than expected – but this is not generally considered an emergency. A baby tooth should never be re-implanted as any attempt to re-attach a baby tooth could damage the gum and new adult tooth underneath.

If there is bleeding ask the child to bite down on a clean gauze or tea towel to help it stop. Any pain should be relieved with child dose paracetamol or ibuprofen. Ice lollies can also help to reduce swelling.

If you have any concerns at all then please contact us.

If a child loses a permanent tooth then this will require emergency treatment. Follow the instructions below and, if you can, place the tooth back in the gum as quickly as possible. Get them to bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. Emergency treatment is necessary to save the tooth. Follow the ‘lost adult tooth’ instructions below.

The loss of an adult tooth is also common and can arise as a result of many things including sports, accidents, fights and falls. It is possible to replace an adult tooth- provided certain steps are followed. If you have had a tooth knocked out or it has been broken then contact us immediately. The chances of saving it are much higher with early treatment.

1) If possible, re-insert the tooth into the gum and bite down gently on a clean cloth (tea cloth, gauze, flannel etc) to hold it in place and reduce the bleeding.
2) Do not touch any of the roots attached to the tooth or attempt to clean it in any way. Always handle the tooth by the crown (the larger, chewing surface)
3) If the tooth can’t be replaced then it should be stored in a small pot. Ensure that it is covered in milk or saliva to keep it moist. You can also carry it in your mouth- between the gum and cheek or under your tongue. Sterile solutions are also available from pharmacies. DO NOT USE TAP WATER.
4) Bring the tooth with you when you visit us.
5) Relieve any swelling or pain with a cold compress.

It is common for teeth that are filled to chip or break. Sometimes the tooth will then feel more sensitive and rough. If there is a cavity you can apply a small amount of chewing gum or temporary filling paste available from your local pharmacy to protect the area to protect the tooth until your appointment.

If you have broken a large bit of tooth off in an accident, don’t attempt to re-attach it. Instead, collect the bit and store it in milk, sterile solution or saliva. Rinse the mouth out with warm water and call us immediately.

Sometimes the broken bit can be reattached. Larger sections may require a filling or crown to repair them. If the damage is deep and affects the nerve, then a root canal treatment may be required.