Emergency Dentistry

You do not need a referral for emergency dental appointments. These appointments are specifically designed to address urgent dental issues that cannot wait for a routine visit.

You may need to have local anaesthetic during your emergency appointment so we advise that you eat something before your visit as your mouth may be numb for a few hours afterwards. This precaution helps prevent any discomfort or complications that might arise from eating with a numb mouth. Additionally, being prepared for your appointment by bringing any relevant medical history or dental records can expedite the process, allowing the dentist to focus on delivering immediate care.

During the appointment, your dentist will assess the affected area with a thorough examination. Your dentist might also take dental radiographs to help diagnose the problem.

Dental radiographs involve minimal radiation exposure, akin to everyday background radiation from natural sources like the earth, building materials, and cosmic rays. While there’s a slight increase in lifetime cancer risk, the diagnostic benefits outweigh these risks. Inform your dentist if you’ve recently had similar X-rays or if you’re pregnant. After the examination, your dentist will discuss treatment options. Initial treatments may offer temporary relief, necessitating follow-up visits, ideally at your usual dentist.

An acute dental appointment is focused on managing your symptoms, stabilising the presenting problem and using any necessary interventions. This can involve a variety of treatments, including a filling, protective dental sealants to protect fractured teeth, extraction of non-vital teeth or drainage of infection. If there is an inflammatory or bacterial infection then appropriate antibiotics or analgesia can be provided to help manage your symptoms. In some cases a temporary procedure may be performed that requires a follow up appointment for definitive treatment. The aim is to manage urgent dental problems as quickly as possible in a way that is comfortable for you and prevents further progression of disease.

Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided during your consultation appointment. These instructions are crucial to your recovery and the prevention of post treatment complications.

You will be offered a follow up appointment to complete your course of treatment. This appointment will enable your dentist to monitor your progress and address any persisting symptoms or concerns.