Dental Emergency: What to Do and Where to Go
Step-by-step guidance for dental emergencies.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies include severe, persistent toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a broken or cracked tooth with pain, swelling in the face or gums, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, and a lost filling or crown causing pain.
Immediate Steps
For a knocked-out tooth: hold by the crown, rinse gently, try to reinsert or store in milk, and see a dentist within 30 minutes. For severe pain: take over-the-counter painkillers and apply a cold compress. For swelling: this may indicate infection - seek urgent care.
Where to Go
First, call your regular dentist - many offer emergency slots. If out of hours, call NHS 111 for emergency dental referral. Go to A&E only if you have uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing from swelling, or facial trauma.
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