This advice
is for use when the surgery is closed.
You
must contact the dentist as soon as possible.
If you
are in pain.
Get a
strong pain killer. Paramol or Solpadene are effective but check with the
pharmacist if you have any medical conditions or are taking any other
medication BEFORE you take them and do not exceed the dosage on the
packaging. DO NOT use any medication in the mouth which is not made to be used
in the mouth.
If you
have a swelling.
You
have probably got an abscess. Providing the swelling is in your mouth or on
your face you must start doing hot salt water mouthwashes. Make up a mug of
water as hot as you can stand to hold in your mouth and dissolve 1 teaspoon of
salt in it. Take a mouthful and hold it over the lump or affected tooth until
it cools down. Repeat this until the cup is empty and if possible make up a new
cup immediately and do the mouthwashes continuously until the lump bursts. Contact the dentist as soon as they reopen.
If
your swelling is in your neck or throat and you have difficulty breathing or
swallowing you must contact the nearest hospital accident and emergency unit immediately.
Lost
crowns or Bridges.
These
are not emergencies and you must contact the surgery when we re open.
For
further advice you can call NHS Direct on 08454647.