What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency requires immediate attention to prevent serious complications. This includes:
- Severe or persistent dental pain not relieved by painkillers.
- Facial swelling or infection.
- Dental trauma (knocked out, fractured, or displaced teeth).
- Uncontrolled bleeding after dental treatment.
- Spreading infection with fever or difficulty swallowing.
If breathing or swallowing is affected, call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
Emergency Dental Appointments (Same Day Priority)
NHS Registered Patients
- We aim to offer same-day or next-day emergency appointments, subject to availability.
- A triage call will determine urgency.
- Treatment focuses on pain relief and stabilising the problem.
Fee: Standard NHS urgent treatment charge (unless exempt).
NHS Non-Registered Patients
- Emergency appointments may be offered depending on capacity and clinical need.
- If we cannot see you, we will direct you to:
- Local Urgent Dental Care centres.
Fee: Standard NHS urgent treatment charge (unless exempt). Note: This does not register you as an NHS patient.
Private Registered Patients
- For registered private patients, we aim to offer same-day emergency care.
- Treatment may be temporary or definitive, depending on time and clinical need.
Fees: According to our private emergency fee schedule. A cost estimate is provided before treatment.
Private Non-Registered Patients
- We welcome non-registered private patients for emergency care, subject to availability.
- The appointment focuses on resolving the immediate issue.
- Fees: Fixed private emergency appointment fee plus treatment costs.
Unscheduled Urgent Dental Care
(Not life-threatening but needs prompt attention)
Examples include:
- Broken teeth causing discomfort.
- Lost fillings or crowns are causing sensitivity.
- Localised infection without fever.
- Dental pain that is manageable but worsening.
NHS Registered Patients
- We aim to offer an appointment within a few days, depending on urgency.
- Treatment focuses on stabilising the issue.
Fee: NHS urgent charge or Band 1/2, depending on treatment.
NHS Non-Registered Patients
- Appointments may be offered depending on capacity.
- If unavailable, patients will be signposted to local urgent dental care centres or other NHS providers.
Fee: NHS urgent treatment charge unless exempt.
Private Registered Patients
- We aim to offer prompt appointments, often within 24–48 hours.
- Treatment may be temporary or definitive.
Fees: Standard private treatment fees apply.
Private Non-Registered Patients
- Appointments may be offered depending on availability.
- Follow-up private care can be arranged if desired.
Fees: Private urgent appointment fee plus treatment costs.
Unscheduled Non-Urgent Dental Care
(Problems that are not painful or urgent)
Examples include:
- Minor chipped teeth without pain.
- Lost crowns or fillings without discomfort.
- Denture repairs or adjustments.
- Routine concerns that need attention.
NHS Registered Patients
- Appointments will be scheduled based on routine availability.
Fee: NHS Band 1 or Band 2, depending on treatment.
NHS Non-Registered Patients
- Non-urgent care cannot usually be offered unless we are accepting new NHS patients.
- Patients will be directed to local urgent dental care centres or other NHS practices.
Private Registered Patients
- Non-urgent appointments will be booked at the next suitable time.
Fees: Standard private fees apply.
Private Non-Registered Patients
- Non-urgent private appointments may be offered depending on availability.
Fees: Standard private consultation and treatment fees.
How to Book
During Opening Hours
- Call the practice directly.
- A brief triage will determine urgency.
- We will offer the earliest appropriate appointment based on clinical need.
Outside Opening Hours
- All patients are to follow the out-of-hours instructions on our voicemail.
What to Bring
- Medical history and medication list.
- NHS number (if applicable).
- Proof of NHS exemption (if relevant).
- Payment method for NHS or private fees.
Important Notes
- Emergency and urgent appointments address one problem only.
- Further treatment may require additional appointments and fees.
- Being seen privately does not affect your NHS status.
- Being seen as a non-registered patient does not guarantee ongoing registration.
