What to Do in a Dental Emergency in Nairobi (Before You Reach Us)

Knocked-Out Tooth

This is the most time-critical dental emergency. You may be able to save the tooth if you act within 1 hour.

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (white part) — never touch the root.
2. Rinse gently with clean water — do not scrub, use soap, or wrap in tissue.
3. Try to reinsert it — gently push the tooth back into the socket if possible. Bite softly on a cloth to hold it in place.
4. If reinsertion isn't possible — store in a glass of milk, saliva, or keep it between your cheek and gum. Do NOT store in water.
5. Call us immediately — 0722 396 174. Tell us you have a knocked-out tooth for immediate priority.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious bacterial infection that can spread to your jaw, neck and — in severe cases — other parts of the body. Do not delay seeking treatment.

Signs of an abscess: severe throbbing pain, swelling of the face or jaw, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or a foul taste in the mouth.

What to do:

• Call us immediately for an emergency appointment.
• Rinse with warm salt water to temporarily relieve discomfort.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen reduces both pain and inflammation).
• Do NOT attempt to pop the abscess yourself.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken tooth can expose the inner dentine or nerve, causing sharp pain and sensitivity. The urgency depends on the severity of the break.

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
• If there is a sharp edge, cover it with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax (available from some chemists) to protect your tongue and cheek.
• Save any large pieces of the broken tooth and bring them with you.
• Call us for a same-day appointment if there is pain — we can often restore the tooth the same day.

Severe Toothache

Sudden severe toothache — especially pain that throbs, keeps you awake, or radiates to your jaw, ear or neck — signals something that needs professional attention.

Temporary relief while you wait:

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Take ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed on the packaging.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face (not directly on the tooth).
• Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods that may intensify the pain.

Over-the-counter clove oil can temporarily numb the area. However, these are only temporary measures — the underlying cause needs professional diagnosis and treatment.

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown exposes the tooth to temperature sensitivity and bacterial infection. It is not usually a medical emergency but should be seen within 1–2 days.

Immediate steps:

• If you have the crown, store it safely and bring it to your appointment — it may be recemented.
• Use dental cement (available from pharmacies) or sugar-free chewing gum as a temporary seal over the exposed tooth.
• Avoid chewing on that side.
• Call us to book a same-day or next-day appointment.

When to Call Us Immediately

Call 0722 396 174 immediately for any of these:

• Knocked-out tooth (within 60 minutes for best chance of saving it)
• Dental abscess with facial swelling or fever
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
• Severe pain that over-the-counter medication is not controlling
• Broken tooth with exposed nerve (sharp, electric pain on touch)
• Any swelling that is affecting your ability to swallow or breathe

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