Dental Emergencies in London

Dental emergencies include severe tooth pain, knocked-out or loose teeth, broken or cracked teeth, severe swelling or bleeding in the mouth, lost fillings or crowns, and dental abscesses. Any situation causing severe pain, bleeding, or risk of tooth loss requires immediate attention. If you're unsure, call our office for guidance.

Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that's not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation product. Seek emergency dental care immediately - the chances of saving the tooth are highest within 30 minutes of the injury.

For severe tooth pain, rinse with warm saltwater, take over-the-counter pain relievers (following package instructions), apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and avoid very hot or cold foods/drinks. However, these are temporary measures - contact our office immediately as severe pain often indicates a serious underlying issue requiring professional treatment.

A dental abscess is a serious infection requiring immediate professional care. While waiting for your emergency appointment, rinse with mild saltwater several times daily, take over-the-counter pain medication if needed, and apply a cold compress externally for swelling. Never delay treatment, as dental infections can spread and become life-threatening.

For a broken or cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. If possible, save any broken pieces. Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum to prevent cutting your tongue or cheek. Contact our office immediately for emergency treatment.

If you've lost a filling or crown, keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm water. For a lost crown, if possible, coat the inner surface with dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive and reposition it. For a lost filling, temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can provide short-term protection. In either case, schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Visit the emergency room for severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, severe swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, or signs of infection with fever. For most dental emergencies like toothaches, broken teeth, or lost fillings, contact our emergency dental service first. ER physicians can manage pain and infection but typically cannot provide definitive dental treatment.

During an emergency dental visit, we'll first address your pain and stabilize your condition. The dentist will perform an examination, potentially including X-rays, to diagnose the problem. Treatment will focus on resolving immediate issues, with a follow-up appointment scheduled if more comprehensive care is needed. Our priority is to get you comfortable and prevent further damage.