What to Do in a Dental Emergency in Southwell

A dental emergency rarely arrives at a convenient time. Whether it’s a sudden toothache that wakes you at night, a tooth knocked out during sport, or a lost crown before an important event — knowing what to do in those first crucial minutes makes a real difference to the outcome.

At Southwell Dental Care, we keep emergency appointments available so that when you need us, we can see you promptly. In this guide, we walk through the most common dental emergencies, what to do while you wait, and when to call us.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental problem needs same-day attention. However, certain situations genuinely cannot wait. Contact us immediately if you experience:

• Severe or persistent toothache that doesn’t ease with over-the-counter pain relief
• A tooth that has been knocked out completely
• A cracked, broken, or significantly chipped tooth
• A dental abscess — characterised by swelling, throbbing pain, or a bad taste in your mouth
• A lost crown or filling that is causing sharp pain or sensitivity
• Bleeding from the mouth that doesn’t stop after gentle pressure
• Facial swelling, particularly around the jaw or neck

If you experience significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or feel generally unwell alongside dental pain, go to your nearest A&E or call 999. These symptoms can indicate a spreading infection that requires urgent medical attention.

Common Emergencies — What to Do First

Severe toothache First, rinse your mouth gently with warm, slightly salted water. Take your usual over-the-counter pain relief — ibuprofen and paracetamol are both appropriate for dental pain, provided you have no contraindications. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, as this can cause tissue damage. Then call us to arrange an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Knocked-out tooth Act quickly — time matters significantly here. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or clean water, but do not scrub it. Ideally, place it back into the socket and hold it gently in position. If that isn’t possible, keep it in a container of milk or hold it between your cheek and gum to keep it moist. Call us immediately — the sooner we see you, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

Broken or chipped tooth Rinse your mouth with warm water and collect any broken pieces if you can find them. If the area is sharp and catching your lip or tongue, cover it temporarily with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods until we’ve assessed the tooth. Call us to book an emergency appointment.

Lost filling or crown A lost filling or crown often causes sensitivity and discomfort, particularly to temperature. As a temporary measure, dental repair kits — available from most pharmacies — can help protect the tooth until we see you. However, these are a short-term solution only. Call us to arrange prompt treatment before further damage occurs.

Dental abscess A dental abscess is an infection, and consequently it requires professional treatment — it will not resolve on its own. Rinse with warm, slightly salted water several times a day to help draw out the infection and reduce discomfort. Take pain relief as directed. Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself. Furthermore, if the swelling spreads to your face, neck, or eye area, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Should I Call the Practice or NHS 111?

If you’re registered with us — or if you’re a new patient in the Southwell, Newark, Farnsfield, Edingley, or Upton area — call us first on 01636 918202. We prioritise emergency appointments and will do everything we can to see you the same day.

Outside of our opening hours, NHS 111 can direct you to an out-of-hours dental service in Nottinghamshire. Similarly, the NHS website holds a directory of emergency dental services near you. In a true medical emergency — as noted above — always call 999 or attend A&E.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Of course, not every emergency is avoidable. Nevertheless, many of the most common ones are. Here’s what Dr. Jyoti Parmar and the team at Southwell Dental Care recommend:

• Attend regular check-ups — many dental problems develop gradually and silently. Regular examinations allow us to identify and treat issues before they become emergencies.
• Wear a mouthguard for contact sport — a well-fitted, custom mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of knocked-out or broken teeth.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools — opening packaging, biting nails, or chewing hard objects all increase the risk of cracks and fractures.
• Address sensitivity early — sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods is often an early warning sign. Don’t wait until it becomes pain.

Our membership plans — starting from £11 per month — include regular check-ups and, depending on the plan you choose, hygiene visits and a discount on any treatment you might need. Staying on top of your dental health is, above all, the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of an emergency. Find out more at southwelldental.co.uk/prices/memberships.

One more thing worth knowing — if you’re a member of one of our practice plans, your emergency appointment itself is included at no extra charge. Any treatment you need following that appointment is chargeable, though as a member you’ll receive either 10% or 20% off depending on your plan. It’s one of the quieter benefits of membership that patients are often glad they had in place when they need it most. Find out more about our plans at southwelldental.co.uk/prices/memberships.

Emergency Dental Care at Southwell Dental Care

We serve patients across Southwell, Newark, Farnsfield, Edingley, Upton, and the wider Nottinghamshire area. If you’re facing a dental emergency, don’t wait — call us and we’ll find the earliest possible appointment for you.

Call us on 01636 918202, visit southwelldental.co.uk, or book directly at southwelldentalcare.portal.dental.

Southwell Dental Care | 70 Lower Kirklington Road, Southwell NG25 0AQ | CQC registered. Results may vary. Finance subject to status.