No matter how good you are at attending for your regular dental appointments, it is likely that at some point you will experience a dental emergency. Dental emergencies can range from a toothache or swelling, a broken tooth, a lost filling or damage to your teeth or gums following a knock or fall.

Toothache or swelling – this is often caused when infection enters the tooth or gum. It may be necessary for the dentist to open the tooth or gum to drain the infection. They may also prescribe antibiotics to ensure that all the infection is cleared. Once the infection has cleared it may be necessary to have root canal treatment to ensure that the tooth is properly sealed to prevent the infection reoccurring.

Chipped or cracked tooth or a lost filling – this can be caused by biting down on something hard such as festive nuts or chewing on too many sticky toffees and sweets. The dentist may be able to repair the tooth with a new filling, a crown or in the worst case the tooth may need to be extracted. If the tooth needs to be extracted the dentist will be able to advise on the best course of treatment. This may be a bridge, a denture or an implant.

Lost or broken tooth – this can be caused by direct force, a trip or fall. In some cases, it may be possible for the lost tooth to be replaced. If this is not possible the dentist will be able to explain the possible options of either a bridge, denture or implant. If the tooth has been broken it may be able to be repaired with a filling or a crown.

Should you have a problem in the run up to the festive period please call the surgery on 01245 421781 before 10am so that we can endeavour to help you as quickly as possible and ensure that you are able to eat your Christmas dinner in comfort. We have a number of dental emergency appointments available each day but these are filled on a first come first served basis.

Writtle Dental Practice will be closed for the festive period on Monday 26^th and Tuesday 27^th December and Monday 2^nd January. Should you have a dental emergency whilst the surgery is closed please ring 01245 421781 and the answerphone message will provide you with details on how to access emergency treatment. We will be open as normal on Wednesday 28^th, Thursday 29^th and Friday 30^th December.

For Denplan patients who are away from home, please contact the Denplan Emergency line on 0800 844999 if within the UK or +44(0)1962 844999 if abroad. Denplan will then be able to help you find a suitable dentist within the local area to help provide you with emergency treatment.
All the team at Writtle Dental Practice would like to take this opportunity to wish our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you all in 2017.