Dental problems and emergencies
First and foremost, try not to panic or worry. We try to always be available to help our registered patients, it is as simple as that. (We regret however, that at the present time we are unable to help members of the public who are not one of our patients.) Our reception staff will listen to our patients problems and calmly and helpfully offer a solution. We try very hard to deal with urgent situations the same day we are made aware of them.
If you have an unexpected emergency, such as a dental accident or toothache, even out of hours or during bank holidays, which you genuinely feel cannot wait until the surgery is next open, then please ring one of the following emergency numbers and if you have a pen and paper to hand, you will be given clear instructions on how to proceed.
- If you are at home : The Independent Dental Practice: 01642 815016
- Out of normal surgery hours : 07837281274 ( this number is linked to one of our dentists, who will get back to you)
- Away from home in the UK : 0800 525 631
- Away from home overseas : +44 1747 820 841
If you need to be seen out of surgery hours there is a charge for the dentist re-attending the practice of up to £200, depending on the time of day and other factors. For those patients in our membership scheme, the associated DPAS Worldwide Emergency Assistance Scheme comes into effect and it pays to open the practice out of hours, which, although we hope you will never need this service, is reassuring if you do. Standard treatment charges will then apply for any work necessary. (Please read your Worldwide Emergency Assistance Scheme document for full details.)
In the event of a child having an accident, especially one which involves a front permanent (adult) tooth, it is most important to act quickly. If the tooth has been knocked out completely then place it in a cup of milk if possible, or clean water if milk is not available and contact your dentist immediately. In some cases it is possible to re-plant and save a tooth if treatment can be carried out quickly.
Remember that any injury to the mouth, however slight, can often result in a lot of blood which can be frightening for everyone involved. If you cannot place the tooth in milk, try to have the patient keep the tooth in their mouth, holding it between the cheek and the teeth, being careful not to swallow it.
If either an adult or a child patient receives a blow to the face or jaw, we would always recommend you contact your dentist, if possible, before casualty, assuming no other life threatening injuries have occurred. Your dentist has the specialist knowledge required to deal with injuries to the mouth, teeth and gum areas, which may not be available on a visit to the hospital.