Dental Emergencies:
We aim to see emergency patients on the same day wherever possible. We reserve emergency appointments each day for patients who have had a dental accident or who require emergency treatment for severe pain, injury as a result of a dental trauma/accident or visible swelling. To avail of an emergency appointment please call 022 53344 as soon as possible.
Out of Hours Emergencies:
We also offer weekend out of hours support where possible for registered patients. We respond to weekend emergency calls as soon as possible. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to immediately respond to your call or arrange a “call-out”. Please note an emergency call out charge may apply for out of hours support.
If you feel your situation requires urgent emergency care please contact C.U.H. A&E 021 4546400. This service runs from 5:30pm to 9am Monday to Friday and on a 24 hour basis at week-ends and bank holidays.
What to do in an Emergency:
Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be lodged. If the pain still exists, contact us on 022 53344. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or the aching tooth. If your face is swollen apply a cold compress and contact us immediately.
Abscess: Abscesses are infections which occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition which can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Call 022 53344 as soon as possible if you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gum which usually is painful. In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus towards the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.
Knocked out permanent tooth: If possible find the tooth, handle it by the crown, do not handle it by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. Do not clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound try to re-insert it in the socket. (Do not attempt to reinsert a deciduous/baby tooth) Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, not water. If the patient is old enough the tooth may be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist immediately, time is a crucial factor in saving the tooth. read more
Lost Filling: As a temporary measure (if you can’t get to your dentist straight away) you can use an over the counter dental filling material from the pharmacy. Failing that, you can use a small piece of wax such orthodontic braces wax or the red wax cover of babybel cheese to stop any sharp areas from hurting your tongue or gums. Call 022 53344 for an appointment as soon as you can to prevent decay and further damage.
Lost Crown: If a crown falls off, call 02253344 as soon as possible to schedule an appointment and bring the crown with you. If you can't get to the dentist right away and the tooth is causing pain, use a cotton swab to apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area (clove oil can be purchased at your local pharmacy). If possible, slip the crown back over the tooth. Before doing so, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive, to help hold the crown in place. Do not use super glue!
Broken braces or wires: If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket or band and is poking your cheek, tongue, or gum, try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position. If you cannot reposition the wire, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or piece of gauze until you can get to your orthodontist's office. Never cut the wire, as you could end up swallowing it or breathing it into your lungs.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the soft tissues, which include the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, here's what to do: Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution. Use a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to apply pressure to the bleeding site. Hold in place for 15 to 20 minutes. To both control bleeding and relieve pain, hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. If the bleeding doesn't stop, call 02253344 or go to CUH A&E. Continue to apply pressure on the bleeding site with the gauze until you can be seen and treated.
Useful Links:
Save that tooth
https://www.ucc.ie/en/media/academic/dentalschool/documents/savethattooth_new_30072014.pdf
CUH Dental Department
https://www.ucc.ie/en/dentalschool/clinics/
Colgate: Lost filling or crown
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/article/lost-filling-or-crown
Colgate: Soft tissue injury
http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/articles/soft-tissue-injuries
