If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth as a result of an accident or an injury, it can be a traumatic experience.
It’s very important that you see a dentist immediately, even if the tooth is just slightly chipped. And if you have knocked out a tooth or several teeth, the sooner you are seen by a dental professional the better because there is a chance that the teeth could be re-implanted, depending on the severity of your injury.
If an adult tooth is knocked out it is important to reimplant it immediately or as soon as possible. Try not to let the tooth dry out either by placing it in some milk or getting the patient to hold it inside their own mouth where the natural saliva will keep it moist. Hold the tooth by the crown not the root. Attend your dentist or hospital emergency department immediately.
If you have a chipped tooth then your dentist may be able to smooth down the uneven edge and replace the missing part with a tooth-coloured filling. If you break a back molar then this may have to be replaced with a crown.
For registered patients who require emergency dental treatment you should ask to see a dentist as soon as possible. A dental emergency is:
- 1. Uncontrolled bleeding;
- 2. Trauma to the mouth (injury to the teeth)
- 3. Increasing swelling to the mouth;
- 4. Severe dental pain.
Please phone the surgery Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. On weekends leave a message on the answering machine and a dentist will return your call within 24 hours.
