If you attend for your regular dental appointments, the chance of developing a dental emergency should be rare, but should you have a problem the team at Ringmer Dental have some useful advice and guidance on what you can do.
- Toothache
If you find that you are suffering from unexplained toothache, ring the surgery as soon as possible and we will endeavour to fit you into one of our emergency appointments. These are filled on a first come first served basis, so please try to ring before 10am.
While you are waiting, it is okay to take over the counter painkillers to help relieve the pain. You can also apply a cold compress to your cheek over the painful area. At your appointment, the dentist will be able to find the source of the pain, this may be an infection in the tooth or gum or a chipped or cracked tooth where the sensitive dentine has become exposed.
- Chipped or broken tooth or lost filling
If you chip or break a tooth or lose a filling, you will need to book an appointment with your dentist. The dentist may be able to re-fill or crown the tooth or in the worst case the tooth may need to be extracted. If this is the case the dentist will be able to advise on the treatments available to replacing a missing tooth, this could be a bridge, a denture or a dental implant.
While you are waiting for your appointment, it is possible to use sugar free chewing gum to fill the cavity or smooth the tooth or it is also possible to buy over the counter dental cement to help relieve any discomfort temporarily.
- Knocked out tooth
If the tooth has been knocked out by a direct trauma, trip or fall, if possible, try to put the tooth back into the socket ensuring that it is the right way around. If this is not possible, store the tooth in a container of body temperature milk.
If there is severe bleeding apply direct pressure to the area and in all cases, seek immediate dental help. There is the greatest chance of a successful outcome if you can see a dentist within an hour of the incident.
- Lost Crown
If you lose one of your crowns, try to ensure that you keep the crown safe and book an appointment as soon as possible with the dentist. If you are unable to get to your dentist, it is possible to temporarily recement the crown using over the counter dental cement available in pharmacies.
- Broken braces or wires
If a wire on your braces breaks or sticks out of a bracket, it can be very irritating. If it is not possible to reposition the wire, place a small amount of orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to help protect your mouth and gums from further damage. Never cut a wire as you may end up swallowing it! Book an appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible.
The team at Ringmer Dental will be open as normal in the run up to Christmas, until Friday 22nd December. The practice will be closed on Monday 25th December, Tuesday 26th December and Monday 1st January. Should you have any problems while the surgery is closed please call 01273 813898 and the answerphone message will provide details of how to contact the on-duty dentist.
All the team at Ringmer Dental would like to wish our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2018.