Emergency Dentist Loughborough

PAIN AND SWELLING

More often than not, pain and swellingsare caused by an abscess which can originate from the tooth or from the gum. You may need antibiotics to reduce the infection before any treatment can be done. Make an appointment to see the dentist. If the swelling is making it difficult for you to swallow/breathe or affecting your vision then you need to go to A+E immediately.

BROKEN TOOTH / LOST FILLING

If you have broken a tooth and there is no pain, make an appointment in the next few days. If the tooth is painful or sharp, you will need to make an appointment to see a dentist. The dentist will then give you options to treat the broken tooth.

BROKEN OR LOST CROWN

If you are having a crown done, it is normal procedure to have a temporary crown on the tooth while the permanent crown is being made in the laboratory. This temporary crown can often come off. If this does happen, try to bring the crown to your appointment and we will try to place it back on the tooth. If not, we may need to make a new one.

If it is a permanent crown that has come out, keep the crown and bring it with you when you come in. We are often able to stick the crown back on if the tooth/crown are suitable. If not, we may need to make a new one.

SORE AND BLEEDING GUMS

Inflammation of the gum (gingivitis) causes soreness and bleeding of the gum. This is due to poor oral hygiene resulting in the build-up of plaque and tartar around the teeth. This may lead to gum disease. You will need to see the dentist who will be able to advise on the best treatment for you including seeing a dental hygienist.

During pregnancy, women can experience gum bleeding due to the hormonal changes in their body. Good oral hygiene and a mouthwash like Corsodyl or Curasept will reduce the bleeding. Please be reassured that this normally gets better sometime after you’ve given birth.

BROKEN DENTURE

The denture will need to be sent to the laboratory to be repaired. The dentist may need to take an impression of your mouth so that the broken parts can be put back together. It takes 1 or 2 days to repair a denture. Make sure you bring the broken denture with you when you come to see us.

PAIN FOLLOWING A FILLING, ROOT-TREATMENT, EXTRACTION OR FITTING OF A DENTURE

Sometimes, after treatment has been done, the tooth or area can be tender initially. Under normal circumstances, this pain goes away after a few days. However, if it persists, you should see your dentist.

A new denture can cause soreness of the gum. It is rather like a new pair of shoes. Normally the denture will bed in after a few days but if not, see the dentist who will be able to adjust the denture.

After an extraction, the socket can be sore initially. Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen will help. Please also refer to the post-operative instructions asbelow:

• You have had a minor surgical procedure so expect to have some swelling which should resolve after 7-10 days. You will also experience some pain for a few days after the procedure.
• Do not rinse the mouth for the rest of the day as this can cause bleeding.
• If you have bleeding from the surgical site roll up a clean handkerchief or clean linen (do not use tissue or cotton wool) and place over the bleeding site and apply constant pressure for fifteen to twenty minutes.
• Have nothing hot to eat or drink for the rest of the day. Leave to cool down.
• If in pain when the numbness wears off, take painkillers. (Avoid Aspirin unless you take it as part of your regular medication).
• Do not drink alcohol for the rest of the day.
• Take it easy for the rest of the day, no physical exertion.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics you need to finish the course. If you have problems with any medication we have prescribed, please contact us or your GP.
• On the days after tooth extraction use hot salty mouth washes four or five times a day for the following seven to ten days. In a tumbler of warm water place a teaspoon of salt. Gently bathe the surgical area with the salty water for thirty seconds.
• If you have had sutures which are dissolvable and they are still present after two weeks please contact us so that we can arrange for their removal.
• We advise you not to smoke for at least 48 hours until the wound has healed.