Before the appointment
When you call for an emergency appointment, the dental team may ask questions about your symptoms, pain level, and how the issue occurred. This helps them prioritise your care and prepare for your arrival.
They may also give you advice to help you manage your symptoms in the interim period.
What happens during the appointment?
Emergency dental visits are focused on addressing immediate concerns quickly and effectively.
Typically you can expect an initial assessment with the dentist, who will ask about your symptoms and medical history. The dentist will examine your mouth and may take X-rays, if required, to get a clear understanding of the issue.
Once the issue is identified, the dentist will explain the cause of your discomfort and outline possible treatment options. This ensures you understand what’s happening throughout the process and how it can be resolved.
The primary goal is to relieve pain and provide immediate treatment that stabilises the problem. Treatment will vary depending on the issue, but may include; filling or repairing a damaged tooth; draining an abscess; reattaching or stabilising a knocked-out tooth; taking the nerves out of a tooth; or tooth extraction.
Often, a temporary solution may be provided, with a follow-up appointment scheduled for more comprehensive treatment.
Pain relief is a priority. Local anaesthesia is often used to numb the affected area, and the dentist may recommend pain relief options after the procedure.
Aftercare and follow-up
Before you leave, you’ll be given instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums at home. This might include advice on eating, cleaning, and managing discomfort. If additional treatment is needed, a follow-up appointment will be arranged.
You will be able to ask the dentist any questions.
Following the appointment, if no further treatment is needed, our team will often get in touch with you to check-in and make sure everything is fine.
When to seek immediate help
Some symptoms should not be ignored.
Seek urgent dental care if you experience:
- Severe swelling that affects breathing, speaking or swallowing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Intense pain that doesn’t improve with medication
- Signs of infection such as fever or a bad taste in the mouth
An emergency dental appointment is designed to provide rapid relief and prevent further complications. While the experience may feel overwhelming, dental professionals are trained to handle urgent situations with care and efficiency.
If you think you may be experiencing a dental emergency, seeking professional care as soon as possible is always the best course of action.
For more information on our services and fees, please visit the ‘Our Fees’ page on our website.