There is nothing quite like the misery of a severe toothache. It can strike at the worst times—late at night, just before a holiday, or right in the middle of a workday.
If you are currently in pain, let us give you the most important advice first: Dental pain rarely goes away on its own. It is usually a sign that something is wrong with the tooth or gum.
At Croydon Dental Practice on Lower Addiscombe Road, we prioritise urgent cases. Whether you are a registered patient or a visitor to the area, we are here to help get you out of pain fast.
Here is our step-by-step guide on what to do when dental disaster strikes.
1. Is It a Dental Emergency?
Not every twinge needs an urgent appointment, but the following symptoms mean you should call an Emergency Dentist in Croydon immediately:
- Severe Pain: Pain that keeps you awake or isn’t relieved by over-the-counter painkillers.
- Swelling: Especially if your cheek or face is swollen (this indicates an infection/abscess).
- Trauma: A tooth has been knocked out, loosened, or significantly cracked.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: Bleeding from a socket (after an extraction) that won’t stop after 20 minutes of pressure.
2. Immediate Home Remedies (While You Wait)
If you have booked an appointment but are waiting to be seen, try these steps to manage the discomfort:
- Salt Water Rinse: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gently rinse around the tooth. This acts as a mild antiseptic.
+1 - Pain Relief: Take ibuprofen or paracetamol (if you can medically take them). Tip: Do not place aspirin directly on the gum next to the tooth—this can cause a chemical burn.
- Elevate Your Head: If you are trying to sleep, prop yourself up with extra pillows. Lying flat increases blood pressure to the head, which can make the throbbing worse.
- Cold Compress: If there is swelling, hold a cold pack (wrapped in a cloth) against your cheek.
3. What to Do in Specific Scenarios
If a Tooth is Knocked Out (Avulsed)
Time is critical. If you act fast (within 30-60 minutes), the tooth might be saved.
- Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), never the root.
- If it’s dirty, lick it clean or rinse briefly with milk. Do not scrub it.
- Try to put it back in the socket and bite on a clean tissue to hold it in place.
- If you can’t put it back, store it in a container of milk or your own saliva.
- Call us immediately.
If You Have a Lost Filling or Crown
This is usually less painful but can leave the tooth sensitive.
- Keep the area clean.
- If a crown has come off, keep it safe and bring it with you—we may be able to re-cement it.
- You can buy “temporary filling material” from a pharmacy to cover the gap until you see us.
If You Have a Swollen Face
Facial swelling usually indicates a dental abscess (infection).
- Do not ignore this. Antibiotics or drainage may be required.
- If the swelling spreads to your eye or neck, or if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to A&E immediately.
4. Why Choose Croydon Dental Practice for Emergencies?
We know that when you are in pain, you want kindness and efficiency.
- Fast Access: We keep slots open daily for urgent care.
- Nervous Patients: If fear has stopped you from visiting the dentist until now, don’t worry. We offer a non-judgmental approach and can discuss sedation options if needed.
- Local Access: Located conveniently in Addiscombe, we serve patients from Shirley, Woodside, South Norwood, and the wider Croydon area.
5. NHS vs Private Emergency Care
We accept both NHS and Private emergency patients.
- NHS: Covers urgent pain relief and temporary dressings (Band 1 Urgent Charge: £26.80).
- Private: Often offers more flexibility with appointment times and allows for longer treatment sessions to potentially fix the issue permanently on the day (fees apply).
In Pain? Don’t Suffer in Silence.
We are here to help you get back to smiling.
📞 Call our Emergency Line: 020 8656 6959 📍 Find us: 202 Lower Addiscombe Rd, Croydon, CR0 7AB
(If we are closed, please listen to our answerphone message for details on the out-of-hours NHS 111 service).