Emergency Dentistry in Milton Keynes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry refers to any dental problems requiring urgent care. There are several problems we regard as emergencies, and we will strive to see you as quickly as possible.

When should I consider seeking emergency dental care?

While you have a dental issue causing your discomfort, problems like toothache are not necessarily dental emergencies. If you’re experiencing a persistent toothache, severely bleeding gums following an extraction, the loss of a tooth due to an accident, chipped or fractured teeth, or the loss of a dental prosthetic.

How do I know if my dental issue is an emergency?

While we’re happy to see you urgently if you’re facing a dental emergency, we need to ensure your problem isn’t one that can wait to be seen in a normal appointment.

Similarly, if your emergency requires urgent medical assistance, it’s important that you attend the A&E department at the hospital nearest to you. This may include facial trauma or inflammation in your mouth, restricting your ability to breathe.

Issues like persistent dental pain, which cannot be managed by over-the-counter remedies, having a tooth knocked out, and severe bleeding gums should be seen promptly.

If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires an emergency appointment, call us immediately to discuss it.

Is a toothache considered a dental emergency?

Not always. A toothache may mean you have a cavity or the start of a dental infection, or it could be a sign of a more advanced problem. Some toothaches are intermittent, while some are constant and don’t subside after taking over-the-counter medications.

We’d recommend making an appointment for any toothache. However, if you have a severe and persistent toothache, this will require an emergency appointment.

What should I do if I chip or break a tooth?

If you chip, crack, or break your tooth, contact us as soon as possible. While we don’t always need to repair damage intermittently, we sometimes do. It’s best to get the tooth checked out. Damage to teeth can cause pain. Additionally, your tooth may have sharp edges, which could cause you further injury.

How should I handle a knocked-out tooth?

If a tooth has been knocked out and is still intact, we may be able to save it. Rinse your tooth in water for a few seconds without touching the root. If you are not near a tap, you can also use your own saliva to clean the tooth.

You have two options for proceeding. You could put the tooth back into the gap it fell out of and hold it in place by biting against a clean cloth, or you can place the tooth in a glass of milk. Both options will preserve the tooth until you can see us.

Can a dental abscess be considered an emergency?

Yes. If you have an abscessed tooth, call us immediately, as this requires emergency treatment. Abscesses form when you have an advanced dental infection. Without prompt treatment, the infection will spread, affecting your gums, neighbouring teeth, jaws, and other parts of your body.

We recommend that you don’t take any painkillers for your abscess before your appointment. You can rinse your mouth with salt water to draw out pus.

What should I do if I have a severe toothache in the middle of the night?

If you have severe toothache outside our practice hours, take ibuprofen or paracetamol for the pain, use a cold compress to minimise any swelling, and keep your mouth clean. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

If the pain persists, call us as early as possible. Call 111 if you require urgent advice outside of our normal clinic hours.

Is a broken dental crown or filling an emergency?

If a dental crown breaks, it could cause serious problems. Contact us as soon as possible to arrange an emergency appointment, and we will repair or replace the crown.

While losing a filling can cause distress, it is less of a pressing issue. That said, you should still make an appointment to see us. However, it is not an emergency.

How can I manage bleeding gums?

Call us and book an emergency appointment if you have severely bleeding gums. In the meantime, bite on a clean piece of gauze or cloth for around 20 minutes.

When you brush your teeth, small amounts of blood are a sign of gum disease and are not considered urgent. In this instance, you should brush your teeth thoroughly every day and book a regular dental checkup.

Is a broken denture considered a dental emergency?

Although you may not think that damaged dentures affect your health, without them, you might not be able to eat anything. Wearing broken dentures could cause discomfort or damage to your gums and bring about infection.

If you have spare dentures, you can wear these and book an appointment at your earliest convenience. However, if your only set of dentures is broken, call us immediately.

What should I do if I experience swelling in my face or gums?

Your first step should be to call us and arrange an appointment. While waiting to see the dentist, you can take ibuprofen and use a cold compress around the swollen area. Keep the inside of your mouth clean, and rinse every few hours using warm salt water.

What kind of pain relief can I use before seeing an emergency dentist?

You can take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have dental pain. You can also reduce pain and swelling by keeping your mouth clean, rinsing with salt water, and using a cold compress on your face nearest the affected area.

How soon should I seek treatment for a dental emergency to prevent complications?

You should contact us as soon as possible if you are experiencing a dental emergency. Outside our clinic opening hours, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS 111 website for advice.

Do you offer same-day appointments?

We try to see all emergencies within 24 hours. Call us as soon as the emergency arises or as soon as the clinic opens, and we’ll advise you how soon one of our dentists can see you.

What should I bring with me to an emergency dental appointment?

If you have lost a tooth, bring it with you, as we can sometimes place it back into its socket. Rinse the tooth carefully and either hold it in the gap it came from or put it in a small glass of milk until we can see you.

What is the process for booking an emergency dentist appointment?

If you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency, call us on 01908 372 885, and we’ll arrange for a dentist to see you at the earliest opportunity. If you need advice on your dental problem outside of clinic hours, call 111.

Can children have dental emergencies, and how should they be handled?

Just like adults, children may have dental emergencies, too. If your child has had an injury or suffers from a dental problem requiring urgent dental care, stay calm and reassure them. The calmer you are, the more relaxed they will feel.

Call us immediately, and we’ll advise you on any steps to take and book them to see the dentist.

Can I use over-the-counter dental cement for a temporary fix in an emergency?

Yes. Dental cement can fix broken crowns or damaged teeth while waiting for your appointment. It’s important to understand that this is a temporary fix, and you should still see us as soon as possible.