Self-help from The crofts dental practice, epping.
Below are some general tips for Dental Emergencies, toothaches, accidents etc. We must stress these are to help when the practice is closed and is provided as general information only and does not constitute any professional, medical or legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice. For more information please see our disclaimer page. Please call us as soon as the practice is open on 01992 574004 and we will endeavour to fit you in as an emergency.
I have a toothache which is keeping me awake at night, what should I do?
You need to make an appointment with the dentist as soon as psosible as it is highly likely that you may need root canal treatment if you wish to save the tooth. In the meantime, you are able to take strong painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Nurofen providing there are no other medical conditions preventing you from taking them. Paracetamol is generally not strong enough to alleviate toothache. Always read the label and stay within the recommended dose. Consult a pharmacist if in any doubt.
My mouth is swollen and it’s getting worse.
If the swelling is getting larger and shows as a swollen cheek or jaw; then it is very likely you have an acute infection of your tooth or gum. You will need emergency antibiotics and painkillers. It is imperative that you contact your dentist URGENTLY and if closed, go to your local hospital A&E department IMMEDIATELY. The swelling could continue and cause an obstruction to you airways and hinder breathing. The hospital may require the swelling to be drained by the dentist in the A&E department. Please make an appointment with us as soon as we are open.
A mild swelling in the mouth or gums still needs to be seen by a dentist so make an appointment with us as soon as possible and we will try to fit you in as an emergency.
I have recently had some dental treatment and my tooth is sensitive. Is this normal?
This can happen, especially if you have had a complex treatment such as a root canal treatment or very deep filling. Often you can take painkillers; paracetamol or Ibuprofen and the sensitivity should settle down after a couple of days. Avoid eating very hot or very cold foods and if you can’t avoid it, chew very gently on that tooth. If this continues, please call us and make an appointemnt.
I have been to see the hygienist and my gums are still bleeding. Is this normal?
In some cases, the removal or tartar or flossing can initially irritate the gums and cause bleeding. This is particularly true if you do not floss regularly. This should settle down within a day. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to use a medicated mouthwash such as Cersodyl© for a short period of time. The best way to prevent this is to floss and see your hygienist regularly!
I have just had a tooth extracted and the area is very painful. What should I do?
It sounds like the area of extraction may have become infected. You will need to bathe the area in a warm salt water solution and will need to see the dentist to get a precription for antibiotics. Please make an appointment as soon as possible as the dentist may also need to irrigate (wash out) the infected socket and put a dressing on.
I have just had new dentures fitted and my mouth feels very sore. Is this normal?
The mouth often needs time to adapt to new set of dentures. In the meantime, you may experience some soreness. Eat soft foods and rinse you mouth with a warm salt water solution regularly. If the discomfort persists or you feel ulcers developing in the mouth, please make an appointment to see the dentist. Often, all that is needed is a minor adjustment of the denture by the dentist to make it more comforatble.
I have just had tooth whiteninng and my teeth feel sensitive. What should I do?
Tooth Whitening can cause sensitivity for some patients. You will need to rinse your mouth with a de-sensitising mouthwash susch as Sensodyne© and use Sensodyne© toothpaste. If you are using a home-whitening kit then stop and use Sensodyne© for a day or so and try again. If the senstivity persists, please make an appointment to see your dentist. Alternatively, we sell a powerful desensitising gel called ‘Relief’. Please ask at reception.
