Lost Crowns

Keep the crown safe until we can see you. You may be able to cement it yourself with a temporary kit, but this will only work if the crown has come off cleanly without taking tooth or the base filling with it.

If you decide to re-cement, follows these tips:

• Make sure it is clean. Use something small like a paper-clip end to clean out any loose cement but if you are uncertain then it is better to not cause damage to the crown.
• Try the crown in and make sure it is the right way round.
• Mix the cement and load a small amount into the crown, place it on the tooth and bite down carefully. Make sure the bite feels normal. If it doesn’t then remove it and store it until we can see you.
• Remove any excess cement, use interdental brushes to clean between the teeth but be careful not to dislodge the crown.

Never use superglue in the mouth!

Lost fillings

If the hole is very large, we recommend either purchasing a temporary filling kit online or from a local chemist or using chewing gum to temporarily plug the gap (remove before sleeping to avoid choking hazards).

Small chips rarely cause problems, but sensitive toothpaste can help if needed.

If you have a jagged edge which is hurting your tongue, you can try filing down carefully with a nail file.

Severe dental pain

Take your usual painkiller, you can alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen if you can take them safely. Make sure you do not take more than the appropriate dosage.

You may have an infection in which case we are able to issue antibiotics if they are appropriate, so please call us for advice. They will not help every condition but can be useful.

If the pain is due to tooth decay or receding gums then sensitive toothpaste can help, this can be rubbed into the area. Try to avoid extremes of temperature in food and drink and chew on the other side if it helps. Limit sugary and acidic food and drink.

Pain at night can be helped by raising your pillow slightly.

Swelling

Swelling in the face is a sign you need antibiotics so call us immediately.

If swelling is very severe and affecting breathing, vision or if you cannot open your mouth at all then go to A&E urgently.

If you notice swelling around the gum it is often a gum infection or a wisdom tooth eruption. Hot salt mouth rinses can really help with both of these conditions:

• Take a glass of cup-of-tea temperature water and a teaspoon of salt, swill and hold over the area. Repeat as often as possible. 
• For wisdom teeth, also make sure you keep the area really clean even if it bleeds.
• If there is a spot on the gum with swelling, this can be encouraged to drain by using hot salt water and massage. If it comes to a head but is not draining then it can be pierced gently with a sterile needle (boil in hot water and allow to cool) and helped to drain.