FAQ

• What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

  A knocked-out tooth requires urgent attention. Here is what you should do:

  1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root).
  2. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty—do not scrub or remove any attached tissue.
  3. Place it back in the socket, and hold it in place by gently biting it down.
  4. If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk, a saline solution, or inside your cheek.
  5. Visit a dentist immediately—the best chance of saving the tooth is within 30-60 minutes.

  Time is critical—call Brentford Dental immediately for an emergency appointment.

• Is a severe toothache an emergency?

  Yes, a persistent or worsening toothache is often a sign of a serious issue, such as decay, an abscess, or an exposed nerve. If the pain is intense, keeps you from eating or sleeping, or is accompanied by swelling bad breath, or a foul taste, you should seek emergency dental care.

  While waiting for your appointment, try:

  • Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
  • Flossing gently to remove any trapped food.
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers (avoid placing painkillers directly on the gums).
  • Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling.

  Do not ignore tooth pain—early treatment can prevent major problems. Call us today.

• What if I have an emergency after hours?

  If you experience a dental emergency outside of our business hours, you have two options:

  • For severe cases (uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, facial swelling affecting breathing), visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
  • For non-life-threatening issues, leave us a message with your contact details and the nature of your problem. Our team will get back to you as soon as we open.

  Your oral health matters, even after hours. Contact us, and we will assist you as soon as possible.

• How soon can I get an emergency appointment?

  At Brentford Dental, we prioritise emergency cases and strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible. Call us immediately to arrange urgent care if you are experiencing pain or swelling or have suffered a dental injury.

  We understand that emergencies can be stressful, so our team is committed to providing quick, effective, and compassionate treatment.

  Do not wait—contact us now, and we’ll do our best to see you today.

• Should I see a dentist for a broken tooth?

  Yes, even if a broken tooth isn’t painful, it should be examined by a dentist. A small chip may be harmless, but deeper fractures can expose the inner layers of the tooth, increasing the risk of infection or further damage.

  What to do before your appointment:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling if there’s trauma to the face.
  • If a sharp edge is irritating your tongue or cheek, place sugar-free gum or dental wax over the area.
  • Bring any broken pieces with you—we may be able to bond them back.

  A small break can turn into a big problem—schedule your visit as soon as possible.

• How can I relieve tooth pain at home?

  If you cannot see a Forest Hill dentist right away, here are some ways to manage tooth pain at home:

  • Rinse with warm salt water to cleanse the area and reduce inflammation.
  • Use a cold compress on the cheek to numb pain and reduce swelling.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow dosage instructions).
  • Avoid extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods, which can worsen sensitivity.
  • Do not place aspirin or painkillers directly on the gums, as this can cause burns.

  If the pain persists for more than a day or two, it’s likely a sign of an underlying issue that needs professional treatment.

  Temporary relief is not enough—book an appointment to find the cause of your pain.