• Over-the-counter pain relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or paracetamol can provide temporary pain relief. Follow the recommended dosage on the packet.
• Cold compress: Applying a cold compress (such as an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth) to the affected area for short periods can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.

Note: These are temporary measures. Always consult your dentist or pharmacist for proper diagnosis and treatment. For urgent dental problems outside of normal practice hours, contact the NHS 111 service for advice.

Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment.

• • If the pain is severe and you cannot reach your dentist, contact the NHS 111 service for guidance.

• Severe, throbbing pain
• Swelling and redness around the tooth
• Fever
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
• Facial swelling

Note: These could be signs of a dental abscess, a serious infection that requires immediate attention. Contact your dentist or NHS 111 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

• You should go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department if you have a life-threatening dental emergency (or for serious medical emergencies), such as:
  - Severe bleeding that you cannot control or difficulty breathing due to swelling.
  - The area around your eye or neck is swollen

For more guidance visit the NHS website.

• For most toothaches, contacting your dentist or using the NHS 111 service is the appropriate course of action.

• Tooth decay (cavities): When decay reaches the dental pulp (the inner part of the tooth), it can cause inflammation and infection, leading to throbbing pain.
• Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth due to infection.
• Cracked or broken tooth: Fractures in the tooth can expose the sensitive inner layers, causing pain.
• Sinus infection: Sometimes, sinus infections can cause referred pain in the teeth.

Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult with a qualified dental professional for any specific dental concerns.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

A dental abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms in your teeth or gums. It's usually caused by a bacterial infection. There are three main types:

• Periapical abscess: Occurs at the tip of the tooth root.
  
   
• Periodontal abscess: Occurs in the gums next to a tooth root.
• Gingival abscess: (Localised within the gum tissue itself).

It is important to treat it quickly as it can lead to more serious infections if left untreated.

Symptoms can include:

• Intense, throbbing toothache.  
• Sensitivity to hot or cold. 
• Swelling in the face or gums. 
• A bad taste in the mouth.
• Fever
• Swollen glands in the neck.

During an emergency dental appointment in the dentist may:

• Numb the area with a local anaesthetic.
• Make a small incision (cut) in the abscess to allow the pus to drain.
• Clean the area thoroughly.
• In some cases, prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. (this is a private prescription. The dentist will provide a written prescription and you will pay for the medication at a pharmacist).
• For a periapical abscess, a root canal may be required during a follow up appointment.  (Additional treatment costs will be provided).

The immediate pain relief from draining a tooth abscess is due to the release of built-up pus, which eliminates the primary source of the painful pressure.

Prompt dental treatment is essential to prevent infection from spreading.

• Extirpation is a dental procedure where the nerve (pulp) is removed from the tooth by a dentist).
• This is often done when the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed (usually due to deep decay).
• Symptoms of a need for extirpation can include:
  
  • Severe, throbbing toothache
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Swelling around the tooth
• During an emergency appointment, your dentist might perform an extirpation to:
  
  • Relieve pain: Removing the infected nerve eliminates the source of the pain.
  • Prevent the infection from spreading: If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and cause further complications.
  • Save the tooth: In some cases, extirpation allows the dentist to save the tooth by filling the empty space within the tooth with a special material.

Acute Dental Care at King's College Hospital

Who They Help

The Acute Dental Care Centre at King's College Hospital provides emergency dental care for adults. You can be seen if you have been assessed by the 111 London Dental Triage and have a severe dental problem such as:

• Significant facial swelling
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Uncontrolled dental pain
• Acute dental injury (trauma)

What They Don't Provide

The centre does not offer routine dental treatments like checkups, denture repairs, or recementing crowns. For these services, please contact your regular dental practice.

What to Do if You Have a Dentist

If you have a dental emergency and are registered with a dentist, please call your dental practice first. They will either provide treatment or refer you to a suitable urgent dental care centre.

What to Do if You Don't Have a Dentist

If you don't have a dentist or can't reach yours, please contact NHS 111 by phone or online at www.111.nhs.uk.

If calling from London, ask to be transferred to London Dental Triage.

They will assess your situation and refer you to an appropriate urgent care centre.

During Your Visit

The Acute Dental Care Centre aims to see you at your scheduled time, but sometimes emergencies may cause delays. Dental students and junior clinical staff, supervised by senior clinicians, may be involved in your care. Please note that fewer patients are seen during university holidays.

Location and Contact

• Ground floor, Dental Institute, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
• Main Reception: 020 3299 3052

For up to date Opening Hours please visit  https://www.kch.nhs.uk/services/services-a-to-z/acute-dental-care/ 

The Bromley Healthcare Special Care Dental Service provides essential oral healthcare for individuals with special needs across the boroughs of Bromley, Bexley, and Greenwich. This dedicated service caters to children, adults, and the elderly who may experience challenges accessing traditional dental care due to physical, learning, sensory, or communication difficulties.

For more information and to learn more about their services, please visit: https://www.bromleyhealthcare.org.uk/explore-our-services/scdental/

Note: These articles are brief summaries.

For the most up-to-date information and detailed services, please refer to the official websites provided.

If you or your child has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), accessing regular dental care can sometimes be challenging. Bromley Healthcare provides specialised dental support for individuals with SEND, ensuring they receive the necessary care in a safe and supportive environment.

Key Considerations:

• Referral Required: To access this service, you will need a referral from your dentist, GP, or another healthcare professional.
• Specialized Care: The service offers a range of treatments tailored to the specific needs of individuals with SEND, including those with physical, learning, sensory, or communication difficulties.

For further information and to learn more about SEND health support in Bromley, please visit: https://www.bromley.gov.uk/send-health-support-2/send-special-care-dental-support

Note: These articles are brief summaries.

For the most up-to-date information and detailed services, please refer to the official websites provided.