It’s important not to suffer in silence with a dental emergency and book an appointment with us as soon as you can. We allocate a certain number of spaces for dental emergencies, and we will endeavour to offer same-day emergency appointments where we can.
During your emergency appointment, we will discover the issue, try to alleviate any pain, and try to prevent any further problems from developing. We provide the highest level of patient care, and we put you first. We can provide expert advice across a wide range of dental issues in our warm, modern, and welcoming practice environment.
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It’s hard to know what qualifies as a dental emergency, but if something’s gone wrong and you’re suffering from dental pain, it’s better to give us a call. Any of the following might mean you need a fast solution:
Dental emergencies can include a cracked, broken, or completely knocked out tooth, a lost filling, damaged dental restorations, or an abscess, which can form within a tooth or on the gum.
If you feel you have a dental emergency, call us without delay on 01273 452 947.
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If you have a mouth-related issue, please call us to ask for advice, and we will do our best to see you as soon as we can. In the meantime, you may want to follow these handy dental emergency tips to help relieve pain and prevent further damage. These can be beneficial while you wait to be seen by us.
Knocked out tooth
We will be much more likely to save the tooth if you see us quickly. Hold the tooth carefully and avoid touching the roots, as these are very delicate. Rinse gently with water to remove excess skin.
If you can, try to put the tooth back and make sure it is the right way around. If you can’t, don’t force it in, as this could damage the tooth and the gum. Place it in a container with some milk or water containing a pinch of salt and bring it to your dental appointment.
Chipped tooth
First, rinse your mouth with warm water. If you have any pieces, please keep them. A cold compress can help reduce any swelling, and you can stop any bleeding with a piece of gauze pressed on the affected area.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the restoration if you still have it. If it’s intact, you can use sugar-free gum to stick it in place temporarily. You can also use over-the-counter dental cement (if you have access to it).
Abscess
If you suspect you are suffering from an abscess, rinse your mouth with warm, salty water and take over-the-counter pain killers. If you develop a high temperature, severe pain, or difficulty breathing, you may have to go to A&E.
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Experiencing discomfort from a wisdom tooth is common, but it's important to know when a situation requires urgent attention. You should contact us if you develop severe, throbbing pain that radiates to your ear, jaw, or head and is not manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. This can be a sign of impaction or infection.
Other red flags include facial swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, a high fever, or the presence of pus around the tooth. These symptoms could indicate a serious infection known as pericoronitis or an abscess, which needs immediate treatment to prevent it from spreading. If you notice any of these signs, don't delay in contacting us. Addressing these issues quickly can prevent further complications and provide much-needed relief. We can provide wisdom tooth removal, where necessary, which can offer huge relief from pain.
Wisdom teeth infoBook emergency dentist appointment
When severe tooth pain strikes and you can’t wait for a regular appointment, the first step is to contact us as soon as possible. We reserve time slots specifically for emergency cases, and we will be able to provide advice over the phone and determine the next course of action. If our practice is closed, you can contact the NHS 111 service, which can direct you to an out-of-hours dental service. In the meantime, you can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relief medication and by avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks that might exacerbate the sensitivity. It’s crucial not to ignore the pain, as it could be a sign of a serious underlying issue that requires prompt attention to prevent further complications.
A dental emergency is generally defined as any situation involving trauma to the mouth that causes severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or the potential for loss of a tooth. This includes but is not limited to a tooth that has been knocked out or has become loose, a severe toothache that is disrupting your sleep or daily life, an abscess or infection that has caused facial swelling, or broken and chipped teeth. If you are unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, it’s always best to contact us for advice. We can help you assess the severity of your situation and guide you on the appropriate steps to take.
How quickly you can be seen by an emergency dentist in Shoreham depends on our availability and the severity of your condition. Emergency slots are allocated to accommodate urgent cases. However, if you are experiencing a life-threatening situation such as uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing due to swelling, you should go to the nearest A&E department immediately. For less severe but still urgent situations, we do try to see emergency patients on the same day they call. It’s best to call as early in the day as possible to secure an appointment.
After your emergency dental treatment, a follow-up appointment is often advised. The emergency visit is often more focused on addressing the immediate problem and alleviating pain. Your emergency dentist appointment could involve providing relief, such as an antibiotic prescription for an infection, draining an abscess, or temporarily restoring a broken tooth. A follow-up appointment would involve a thorough examination and planning for the definitive, long-term treatment needed to fully resolve the underlying issue and prevent it from recurring.
01273 452 947
info@shorehamdentist.co.uk
The Dental Practice
Mariner Point,
81 Brighton Road,
Shoreham-by-Sea,
West Sussex,
BN43 6DG
Areas we serve include: Shoreham, Worthing, Steyning and surrounding areas
We are wheelchair accessible and have car parking spaces on site.
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