With the surgery closed we understand that you might experience a dental problem that may need some attention.
Below we have put together some of the common problems that you may be suffering and how you could self manage them during the COVID-19 crisis.
Should your need any further assistance please contact us on info@thedentistsdorridge.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Here are some simple tips to help with your dental health during this time and until the surgery is open again.
From us all at the surgery we look forward to seeing you as soon as we reopen. We will update the situation and when we may reopen again on social media and on our website.
If the tooth is extremely sensitive to hot or cold antibiotics will not help. The decay must be removed and filled.
These home measures may help make the symptoms manageable until care can be accessed. Good cleaning with fluoride toothpaste and reducing sugar intake will help stop the decay from getting worse.
If you lose a crown at this time put the crown somewhere safe till such a time that you can visit the surgery, if the tooth is painful then please call the surgery. DO NOT attempt to replace the crown with superglue and leave it if it is not too painful.
Wisdom tooth pain is usually due to inflammation of the gum over the erupting tooth, which can be worsened by trauma from bitting.
Most Flare ups can be managed with good home care and should settle in a few days to a week
If you have difficulty swallowing, swelling in your face or cheek or opening your mouth please call us at the surgery. You may need antibiotics if the infection is spreading.
Bleeding from gums is not a dental emergency.
Bleeding gums are usually due to gum disease and will not stop until brushing improves. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes, concentrating especially on the areas that are bleeding. Use floss or Tepe brushes to clean between your teeth every day.
Although painful, most ulcers will heal within 7-10 days. Non healing ulcers /oral lesions present for more than 3 weeks should be assessed by a doctor or by us at the surgery as soon as permitted.
Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help reduce sensitivity from teeth. Combining paracetamol and ibuprofen has also been shown to be effective.
There is currently no strong evidence that drugs like ibuprofen can make COVID-19 worse.
If you have no coronavirus symptoms carry on taking ibuprofen as normal.
So until there is more information, take paracetamol to treat symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you. (Updated: 20//03/2020)
PLEASE NOTE: Painkillers should always be taken in accordance with instructions on the packet. Taking too many tablets or taking medications incorrectly will not improve your symptoms and can cause serious stomach and liver injury which can be life threatening.
Urgent Dental Treatment
Straight to A&E
Non-Urgent
Following recent guidance from NHS England and the Department of Health, dental practices have been advised to stop aerosol spreads and prioritise urgent treatment where possible.
As well as reducing risk to staff and patients, this will also prevent unnecessary travel in an attempt to reduce virus transmission. This information aims to advise people in pain who still need to access care and support people in managing minor symptoms at home.
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.