As a Dental Practice, we work in an environment where the prevention of the spread of a whole range of infections is woven into everything we do. In addition to our usual scrupulous cross infection control measures, we have been paying particularly close attention to all government guidance and updates related more specifically to Coronavirus.

Following recent guidance from NHS England and the Department of Health, dental practices have been advised to stop aerosol sprays and prioritise emergency treatment where possible

What is a dental emergency?

Urgent dental treatment:

• Facial swelling extending to eye or neck.
• Bleeding following an extraction that does not stop after 20 mins solid pressure with a gauze/clean hankie. A small amount of oozing is normal, just like if you had grazed your knee.
• Bleeding due to trauma.
• Tooth broken and causing pain, or tooth fallen out.
• Significant toothache preventing sleep, eating, associated with significant swelling, or fever that cannot be managed with painkillers.

Non-Urgent (may need to wait):

• Loose or lost crowns, bridges or veneers.
• Broken, rubbing or loose dentures.
• Bleeding gums.
• Broken, loose or lost fillings.
• Chipped teeth with no pain.
• Loose orthodontic wires.

Straight to A&E:

• Facial swelling affecting vision or breathing, preventing mouth opening more than 2 fingers width.
• Trauma causing loss of consciousness, double vision or vomiting.acial swelling affecting vision or breathing, preventing mouth

If you need to access emergency care:

• Have you or anyone in your house been self-isolating?
• Do you have any symptoms?
• High temperature or continuous cough?
• If YES to any of the above, CALL 111. They will direct you to an emergency facility with appropriate protective equipment which will allow staff to treat you safely.