Dental emergency? What to do right now
Severe pain, swelling, a knocked-out tooth or bleeding that will not stop all need same-day care. Here is what to do first, and how to reach us.
Part of General dentistry
In severe pain right now? Call or WhatsApp 0740 187 579 and tell reception it is an emergency. We prioritise these.
If you have swelling that is affecting your breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to your face or head, go to a hospital emergency department straight away.
What counts as a dental emergency?
These are same-day problems. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have:
- A knocked-out or badly loosened permanent tooth
- Bleeding that will not stop, including after an extraction
- Facial swelling, especially with a fever
- Severe pain you cannot manage
- Any trauma to the jaw
Can I deal with this at home?
Only for long enough to reach a dentist. These first steps can help.
Knocked-out tooth. Pick it up by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or saline, not tap water, and do not scrub it. If you can, put it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth. If you cannot, keep it in a cup of milk and get to us within the hour. The odds of saving it drop sharply after that.
Broken or chipped tooth. Rinse with warm water, keep any pieces, and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for swelling. Read more about cracked and broken teeth.
Toothache. Rinse with warm salt water and take an ordinary painkiller as directed on the pack. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum, because it can burn the tissue.
Swelling. Use a cold compress on the outside of your face. Swelling can mean an infection, and an abscess will not clear up by itself even if the pain eases.
Bleeding after an extraction. Bite firmly on clean gauze for 30 minutes. If it does not stop, call us.
When are we open?
| Branch | Hours |
|---|---|
| Nairobi CBD and Digital Centre | Mon–Sat 7 AM–7 PM, Sun 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Thika Road | Mon–Sat 8 AM–7 PM, closed Sunday |
| Thika Town | Mon–Sat 8 AM–6 PM, closed Sunday |
We are not a 24-hour clinic. Outside these hours, go to a hospital emergency department if the problem is serious.
What about a sports injury or accident?
Injuries to the teeth and jaw are not always visible straight away. A tooth that looks fine can still have a damaged root or nerve, so have it checked even if the pain settles.
Still not sure? Ask a dentist
Tell us what is going on and we will tell you plainly what it needs, what it costs and what your cover pays for.