You might like to add to your Christmas shopping list a few essentials that are always handy in a dental emergency situation - but remember these are only temporary measures, and you should always seek dental advice as soon as possible:
A lost filling or crown is rarely an emergency. However, it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to temperature, pressure or air. If you still have the crown, you may be able to slip it back over the tooth. Before you do that, clean the inside of the crown. Then coat the inside of the crown with tooth "cement," which you can buy in the dental section of your pharmacy. Alternatively, sugar-free chewing gum works as a good temprary cement too.
If you've lost a filling or crown, you can put dental cement directly on the tooth surface. This will help to protect and seal the area until you're able to see your dentist.
Keep all areas as clean as possible until you are able to see your dentist.
A small supply of painkillers is always advisable, in case you are unable to get out to a shop to pick any up.
As always, we do have our usual out of hours emergency advice line, the number for this will be on our usual answer phone message on 01548 852165 whilst the practice is closed. Here, we can give advice for severe pain, swelling or prolonged bleeding.Our website also has some essential advice for all parents in case of a trauma injury to a childs tooth over Christmas.We hope you won't need any of our advice or services over Christmas, and that we are all able to enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas with our loved ones. Written by Diane
