Toothache, broken tooth, swelling
Who to call now, when to call 112 directly, and how to ease the pain until you are seen.
Call the practice and say it is an emergency: we will tell you whether to come in today, and when. If we are with a patient, leave a message and we will call you back.
European emergency number · free · 24 hours a day
A dentists’ on-call service covers emergencies in Luxembourg. 112 will direct you to the dental practice on call; an injury to the face can also be treated at the hospital on duty.
What to do in the most common situations. It eases things; it does not replace treatment.
A common painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help; follow the leaflet. Never put aspirin on the gum: it burns it. Pain that throbs or wakes you at night should be seen quickly.
Cold against the cheek, 15 minutes at a time, never heat. Do not try to drain anything yourself. Swelling that grows or comes with a fever needs to be seen the same day.
Hold the tooth by the crown, never by the root. Rinse it for a few seconds in cold water without scrubbing, put it back in its socket if you can, otherwise keep it in milk. Come straight away: every minute counts. A baby tooth is not put back.
Keep the pieces or the crown, rinse with lukewarm water and avoid chewing on that side. Never glue a crown back with household glue. Call for an early appointment.
Bite firmly on a folded gauze pad for 30 minutes, without talking or rinsing. Keep your head raised and avoid exertion, alcohol and smoking. If the bleeding continues, call the practice, or 112 outside opening hours.
This advice is general and does not replace an examination. If in doubt, call.
