If you attend for your regular appointments the chance of developing a dental emergency should be greatly reduced, but should the worst happen and you have a problem the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have some useful advice and guidance on what you can do.
- Toothache
Ring the surgery as soon as possible so that we can fit you in to one of our emergency appointments. These are filled on a first come first serve basis so please try to ring before 10am, so we can endeavour to help you as quickly as possible. 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 the tooth is sharp or there is a large gap where the filling once was it is possible to use sugar free chewing gum to fill the cavity or smooth the tooth. It is also possible to buy over the counter dental cement. You should then book an appointment with your dentist to have the problem rectified. 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.
- 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 restoring the tooth if you can see a dentist within an hour of the incident.
- Lost Crown
If you lose one of your crowns, it is important that you keep the crown 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 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!
Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will be open as normal until Tuesday 24th December. Should you have any problems in the lead up to Christmas, please call the practice on 01622 682029, before 10am and we will endeavour to fit you in as quickly as possible.
The practice will be closed on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 27th December and Wednesday 1st January. Should you have any problems when the surgery is closed please call 01622 682029, the answerphone message will give you details of how to contact the on-duty dentist.
All the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre would like to wish our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2020.
