Emergency Care - Weekend Advice

At Forward Dental Care, we understand that dental problems do not always happen during practice hours. A sudden toothache, broken tooth or swelling can be worrying, particularly when you are unsure where to turn.

We have put together this guide to help you understand what to do if you experience a dental problem over the weekend.

If you are unsure whether your problem is an emergency, please don't worry — the information below will help you decide what to do next.

If you are experiencing a serious emergency

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Attend your nearest A&E department immediately if you have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe or rapidly increasing swelling of your face, mouth, neck or throat
• Uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth
• A serious facial injury or trauma
• Swelling that is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow

These symptoms can be serious and should not wait until the practice reopens.

You may need urgent dental advice if you have:

• Severe or worsening toothache
• A dental abscess or significant swelling
• A knocked-out adult tooth
• A badly broken or damaged tooth causing significant pain
• Dental pain following an accident or injury
• Persistent bleeding following a dental procedure
• Severe pain that is not controlled with appropriate pain relief

If you experience one of these problems over the weekend, contact NHS 111 for advice. They can assess your symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate urgent dental service available in your area.

If your problem is not an emergency and you are comfortable managing your symptoms until we reopen, please contact Forward Dental Care when the practice is next open and our team will be happy to help.

At-Home Management

If you are waiting for dental care or your symptoms are manageable until Forward Dental Care reopens, there are some simple steps you can take at home to help keep you comfortable.

Toothache

You can consider taking an appropriate over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if these medicines are normally suitable for you.

Always follow the instructions on the packaging and do not exceed the recommended dose.

You should also:

• Avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods and drinks if they make your pain worse.
• Eat softer foods and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
• Continue to brush your teeth gently to keep the area clean.
• Avoid placing aspirin directly onto the tooth or gums, as this can damage the tissues.

If you are unsure which pain relief is suitable for you, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

Swelling

Dental swelling can sometimes be caused by an infection and should be assessed by a dentist.

While waiting for care:

• Keep your head elevated, particularly when sleeping.
• A cold compress against the outside of your face may help with discomfort.
• Do not apply heat to the swelling.
• Contact NHS 111 if the swelling is increasing, painful or you are concerned about your symptoms.

If you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, attend your nearest A&E department immediately.

Trauma

If an adult/permanent tooth has been completely knocked out, you should seek urgent dental care by contacting please contact NHS 111 or attending your nearest A&E department immediately.

What to do:

1. Try to remain calm and find the tooth.
2. Pick it up by the crown — the part of the tooth that is normally visible in your mouth.
3. Avoid touching the root.
4. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline. Do not scrub it.
5. If you are able to, carefully place the tooth back into its socket.
6. If you cannot replace it, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva.
7. Seek urgent dental care as soon as possible.

Do not try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket.

The sooner a trauma tooth is assessed, the better the chance of successful treatment.

Broken/Chipped tooth

A broken or chipped tooth is not always an emergency. If you have broken a tooth but have no significant pain or swelling, keep the area clean and contact Forward Dental Care when we reopen.

If the break has caused:

• Severe pain
• Significant sensitivity
• Sharp edges cutting your tongue or cheek
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Significant damage to the tooth

Please contact NHS 111 for advice regarding urgent dental care.

If you have found a piece of your tooth, keep it safe and bring it with you if you attend the practice.

Lost a filling, crown or bridge

Losing a filling, crown or bridge can be frustrating, but it does not always require emergency treatment.

If you are comfortable and there is no significant pain or swelling, keep the area clean and contact Forward Dental Care when we reopen.

If you still have your crown, please keep it somewhere safe and bring it with you to your appointment.

Please do not use household glue or superglue to put a crown back in place.

If you develop significant pain, swelling or signs of infection, contact NHS 111 for advice.

What happens when Forward Dental Care reopens?

If you have experienced a dental problem over the weekend, please contact us when the practice reopens. Our team will listen to what has happened and help arrange the appropriate appointment. If you have attended an emergency dental service over the weekend, please let us know what treatment or advice you received so that we can make sure your ongoing care is appropriately managed.