Emergency Dentistry
Also known as: urgent dental care or emergency dental services
Get rapid access to urgent dental care to relieve pain and discomfort with our emergency dentistry appointments. Dentists play a crucial role in providing immediate and effective treatment in such situations, ensuring comprehensive care.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate attention from a dentist to alleviate severe pain, prevent further complications, or address a potentially life-threatening condition. Dental emergencies can arise from various factors, including accidents, injuries, or sudden onset of symptoms.
Examples of dental emergencies
Dental emergencies come in many forms, each requiring urgent care. Common examples include:
- Severe Toothache: Persistent and intense pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter painkillers.
- Lost Filling or Crown: When a filling or crown falls out, exposing the tooth to potential damage and infection.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: A tooth that has been fractured or broken due to trauma or biting on something hard.
- Abscess: A painful, swollen area in the mouth caused by infection, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: A tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket, requiring immediate attention to increase the chances of saving it.
Why is it important to seek urgent dental treatment?
Seeking urgent dental treatment is crucial in emergency situations to prevent further complications, alleviate pain, and ensure prompt treatment. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe consequences, such as infection, abscesses, or even tooth loss. Immediate care not only addresses the current issue but also helps maintain overall oral health, preventing more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
Please call to enquire about the price
More about pricingBefore the appointment
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
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.
After the appointment
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.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial assessment
You do not need a referral for an emergency dental appointment. During the appointment, your dentist will assess the affected area with a thorough examination.
Treatment
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.
Aftercare
Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided during your consultation appointment.
Follow-up appointment
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.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.