Dental emergency

If you are experiencing pain, unusual or excessive bleeding, trauma or swelling please seek help immediately. During working hours call us on 01333 423775 and we will aim to see you as soon as possible.

Out of hours please call NHS 24 on 111 or https://www.nhs24.scot/

Urgent appointments:

Common urgency problems include lost fillings, crowns and problems with dentures. Please call us on 01333 423775 and we will arrange a suitable appointment.

We have included some helpful advice for managing dental emergencies until you can see your dentist.

After an extraction:

1. Avoid excessive exercise for the rest of the day. Rest after an extraction and use an extra pillow for the first night.
2. Do not drink anything alcoholic for the first 24 hours and avoid smoking.
3. Take painkillers as advised by your dentist (please see above.)
4. Before bed on the day of your extraction, rinse your mouth gently with a warm salty solution (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of water.) Continue after meals and before bed for 1 week.
5. You may feel the sharp edge of the socket with your tongue and small fragments may work their own way out. This is normal.
6. Try not to disturb the socket with your tongue, or by eating food on that side or by vigorous rinsing.

If excessive bleeding occurs:

1. Use some clean gauze to make a roll and form a firm pad or use a clean handkerchief.
2. Sit upright and clear the mouth of any loose blood clots with a clean linen square so you can find where the socket is bleeding.
3. Place the pad across the bleeding socket from the tongue to the cheek side.
4. Bite firmly to compress the pad on the socket for 10-15 minutes. Avoid lying down.
5. Inspect the socket and replace the pad, or use another one, if it is still bleeding.
6. If your efforts are unsuccessful after 1-2 hours, contact your dentist.
7. It is not unusual to experience swelling or discomfort for a few days. However, if pain, swelling or bleeding persists, contact the dentist.