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Emergency dental care in Dunstable
At Floss and Smile, we believe that even in an emergency, you deserve more than just quick treatment - you deserve kindness, clarity, and a team that puts your comfort first.
We understand that pain can make you feel anxious, vulnerable, or even afraid to pick up the phone. That’s why we’re here - to listen without judgement, explain without rushing, and treat you with the same care we would give our own family.
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Why choose us when every moment counts?
- We put people before procedures - Our first priority is always you, not just your tooth. We’ll make sure you feel safe, understood, and in control from the moment you call.
- We specialise in caring for nervous patients - Every member of our team is trained to support patients who feel anxious. We can offer oral sedation to help you feel more at ease, and we always allow extra time for appointments so you never feel hurried.
- We’re ready to act quickly - If you call early in the day, we’ll do our very best to see you as soon as possible. We can often relieve discomfort on the same day, stabilise the problem, and plan any further care you might need.
- We have everything in-house - From advanced 3D scanning to specialist skills in root canal treatment, oral surgery and implants, our team can handle most emergencies without sending you elsewhere.
When should you call us?
Please get in touch as soon as possible if you have:
- Severe or worsening toothache
- A broken or chipped tooth causing pain or sharp edges
- A knocked-out tooth
- Swelling of the face, gums, or jaw
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- A dental abscess
- Broken dentures, crowns, or bridges causing discomfort
Even if you’re unsure whether it’s urgent, we’d rather you call and let us guide you.
You’ll be listened to - Our reception team will take time to understand what’s happened, how you’re feeling, and what you need.
You’ll get clear advice - We’ll guide you on how to reduce discomfort and protect your tooth before you see us.
We’ll find you a suitable appointment - If you contact us early in the day, we’ll do our best to see you quickly.
What happens when you call
Your emergency appointment
When you arrive, we’ll greet you in our calm, welcoming practice and give you time to settle in. Your dentist will:
- Review your medical and dental history
- Examine the problem area, using digital X-rays or 3D scans if needed
- Relieve your discomfort and stabilise the situation
- Clearly explain your treatment options and costs so you can make informed choices
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Even in an emergency
Our practice is designed to help you relax: ceiling-mounted TVs, your choice of music, gentle essential oil fragrances, and a team that’s always patient and understanding. If you need extra help to stay calm, we can offer oral sedation to make your visit easier.
We know emergencies can be overwhelming - but you don’t have to go through it alone.
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Toothache
Swelling or abscess
Broken tooth
Knocked-out tooth
Broken dentures, crowns or bridges
Toothache
Toothache can creep up slowly or arrive suddenly - either way, it’s a sign something isn’t right and needs attention.
While you wait to see us:
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need pain relief (avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding)
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe the area
- Stick to soft, mild foods and avoid extremes of temperature
- Keep your head slightly raised when resting to help ease throbbing
I need root canal treatment
If you’ve been told you need a root canal - or think you might - it usually means infection has reached the centre of the tooth. This can cause deep pain, pressure, or swelling.
It sounds serious, but root canal treatment is a routine way to save your tooth and prevent things getting worse.
Before your visit:
- Avoid chewing on the side that hurts
- Use a cold compress for swelling
- Take anti-inflammatory pain relief if needed
Swelling or abscess
Facial swelling or an abscess is a sign of infection and needs prompt care.
While you wait to see us:
- Avoid lying flat - try to rest with your head elevated
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to ease swelling
- Avoid heat, as this can make the swelling worse
- Take pain relief if you need to, following the instructions on the packet
Broken tooth
A broken or cracked tooth may feel sharp, sensitive, or painful. It’s best to get it checked before it worsens.
While you wait to see us:
- Rinse your mouth gently with clean water
- Cover any sharp edges with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Stick to softer foods until your appointment
Knocked-out tooth
If you act quickly, we may be able to save the tooth.
If it’s just happened:
- Hold it by the crown (top) - never the root
- Rinse gently with milk or saline solution
- If possible, place it back into the socket and hold it there by biting gently on a clean cloth
- If you can’t do this, store the tooth in milk and bring it straight to us
Broken dentures, crowns or bridges
Damage to dental work can be uncomfortable and affect your ability to eat or speak.
While you wait to see us:
- Don’t try to glue broken pieces yourself - adhesives can damage your mouth and the dental work
- Keep all the pieces safe and bring them with you
- Avoid wearing dentures if they’re unstable or causing soreness
- Stick to softer foods until they can be repaired or replaced
Dental emergencies
Do I need to be a registered patient to book an emergency appointment at Floss and Smile in Eaton Bray?
No - you don’t need to be registered with us to get help in an emergency. We welcome both new and existing patients from Eaton Bray, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, and surrounding areas who need urgent dental care.
How quickly can I be seen if I have a dental emergency near Dunstable or Leighton Buzzard?
If you call our Eaton Bray practice early in the day - ideally before 9am - we will do our best to offer you a same-day appointment. While we can’t guarantee a time slot, emergencies are always prioritised so we can relieve pain and stabilise the problem as soon as possible.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth in Eaton Bray or nearby?
Hold the tooth by the crown (top), rinse it gently in milk or saline, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, store it in milk and bring it to our practice straight away. Acting quickly increases the chances of saving the tooth, so contact us immediately.
Will I get treatment on the same day at your Eaton Bray dental practice?
In most emergency cases, yes - our priority is to relieve discomfort and prevent the problem from getting worse. Depending on the situation, we may fully complete the treatment that day or carry out stabilising care before arranging a follow-up appointment at our Eaton Bray location.
Do I need to be a registered patient to book an emergency appointment at Floss and Smile in Eaton Bray?
No - you don’t need to be registered with us to get help in an emergency. We welcome both new and existing patients from Eaton Bray, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, and surrounding areas who need urgent dental care.
How quickly can I be seen if I have a dental emergency near Dunstable or Leighton Buzzard?
If you call our Eaton Bray practice early in the day - ideally before 9am - we will do our best to offer you a same-day appointment. While we can’t guarantee a time slot, emergencies are always prioritised so we can relieve pain and stabilise the problem as soon as possible.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth in Eaton Bray or nearby?
Hold the tooth by the crown (top), rinse it gently in milk or saline, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, store it in milk and bring it to our practice straight away. Acting quickly increases the chances of saving the tooth, so contact us immediately.
Will I get treatment on the same day at your Eaton Bray dental practice?
In most emergency cases, yes - our priority is to relieve discomfort and prevent the problem from getting worse. Depending on the situation, we may fully complete the treatment that day or carry out stabilising care before arranging a follow-up appointment at our Eaton Bray location.
I’m interested in getting dental implants, what should I do?
The first thing to do is to book a consultation with us here at Floss and Smile! At your consultation we will answer any questions you may have. Based on a comprehensive examination we will plan the best treatment for you and walk you through all the costs involved. Our patients get extra reassurance by having access to a text mobile 24/7 during and after the treatment.
I have a loose denture. Can dental implants help me?
Yes they can. Dental implants are an excellent solution for the millions of people who have loose dentures and offer many advantages over conventional dentures. Conventional dentures are often uncomfortable and, due to the movement, limit a person’s ability to speak and eat normally. Because of this, many people feel self-conscious wearing their dentures. The dentures can be secured into place by locking on to 2-4 implants. Implants are commonly used to replace individual missing teeth, but they can also be used to secure or stabilise loose dentures in either the upper or lower jaws. Instead of having a crown (cap) fitted to the top of the implant a precision-made attachment is fitted which inserts into the underneath surface of the denture, securing the denture to the implant. In the lower jaw this can be achieved with as few as two implants. If there is sufficient bone available and you are willing to have more implants inserted then you can often be fitted with a completely solid set of teeth attached to the dental implants (a full-arch bridge). This set of teeth would stay in permanently and would look and feel very similar to a natural set of teeth.
Is dental implant placement painful?
Dental implants are typically placed under local anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. If you are very nervous or suffer from dental phobia we can offer you sedation. Our whole team has trained extensively in caring for nervous patients, and over the years, we've successfully treated many people with high levels of anxiety. We've not only transformed their smiles and improved their oral health but also significantly reduced their dental treatment-related anxiety.
How long does it take to place dental implants?
Your dental implants may be placed in as little as 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the location and the number of implants being placed. Your dentist will be able to give you a clear idea of the treatment time during your first appointment with us.
When will I receive my new teeth?
Treatment time varies for each patient. Typically, you will have some type of temporary teeth until your implants bond to the bone. We can provide a time estimate based on your treatment needs, during your initial consultation here in Dunstable.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Home care for your implants consists of brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are required for long term health and success.
How long can dental implants last?
Implants can last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.
How does the long term value of dental implants compare to other options?
Dental implants are low maintenance and provide stability and confidence in your smile. Therefore, the long term value of dental implants far exceeds conventional treatment options.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are considered a safe and effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. At Floss and Smile, our dentists have a special interest in dental implant surgery and have restored hundreds of smiles over the years, using gold standard implants.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The journey to receiving dental implants varies based on personal factors like oral health, potential need for procedures such as bone grafting, and the body's healing response. Typically, from the first consultation to achieving a complete restoration, the process spans several months. This period allows for the implant to fuse securely with the jawbone (known as osseointegration), a critical phase lasting approximately 3 to 6 months.
Is dental implant treatment painful?
Dental implant treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable it is, and any mild discomfort afterwards can usually be managed easily. We also offer sedation options if you feel anxious.
Can I get dental implants if I don’t have enough bone?
Even if you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone, you may still be suitable for dental implants following a full assessment. We use advanced 3D scans to evaluate your bone, and in many cases additional treatments such as bone grafting or specialist implant techniques can help make implants possible.
What happens if a dental implant doesn’t heal as expected?
Dental implants have a very high success rate when carefully planned and maintained. In the unlikely event that an implant doesn’t heal as expected, we will support you every step of the way and guide you through the most appropriate next steps. Your peace of mind is important to us, which is why implants are covered by our one-year guarantee.
Are your dental implants guaranteed?
Yes - for your peace of mind, all dental implants at Floss & Smile are covered by our one-year guarantee.
If your dental implant needs to be replaced within the first 12 months, there will be no charge for the implant itself, provided certain conditions are met.
The guarantee may not apply in the following situations:
- Additional treatment (such as bone grafting) was recommended before implant placement but was not carried out
- A different treatment option was advised as more suitable but not followed
- The restoration provided was intended to be temporary
- A like-for-like replacement is not clinically appropriate
- Further treatment has been carried out on the tooth or implant since the original procedure
Why do you use UK-based dental laboratories?
We choose to work with trusted UK-based dental laboratories to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety and reliability throughout your treatment. These laboratories are highly regulated and GDC-compliant, providing exceptional craftsmanship, full traceability of materials, and restorations that are durable, natural-looking and tailored to you.
Working with local laboratories also allows for faster turnaround times and close collaboration between our clinical team and technicians, resulting in more precise, accurate outcomes. In addition, UK labs follow strict infection control and safety regulations, giving you complete peace of mind at every stage of your treatment.
Book an appointment
We’ll take care of the dental needs of you and your family.
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