Emergency Dental Care: what to expect

We understand arriving at a dental practice for an emergency appointment can be daunting, especially if you are in pain and have not attended the practice before.

To help you understand what will happen below is a description of what to expect:

Booking emergency appointment: If you have not attended the practice before, the reception team will ask for your personnel details including name, address, date of birth, contact details. They will ask for a brief description of the emergency. An upfront payment will be required at the time of booking the appointment – this payment covers the consultation with the dentist and confirms the appointment. Any treatment required will be discussed with you including the fee for each procedure.

Check-in Process: As part of the check-in process, you will be asked to provide a medical history including a breakdown of any underlying medical conditions and any medications you are currently taking. There may be a short wait in the waiting room, depending on how busy the dentist is.

What the dentist will ask: The dentist will ask you several questions including a description, the location and the severity of your pain. If your dental issue is the result of trauma, you will be asked to explain what happened.

Pain management: If you are in pain, it may be the case that your dentist has to prioritise pain relief measures first including prescribing antibiotics. Or your dentist may have to give a local anaesthetic to perform a dental procedure. They may take an Xray in order to diagnosis the cause of the pain.

Treatment plan: the dentist will discuss the treatment options available to address your specific emergency. They will explain the benefits, risks, and potential outcomes of each option. They will explain the cost of the procedure with you prior to any work being carried out. You will be asked to sign a treatment plan for the discussed treatment.

Procedure (if required): depending on the emergency, the dentist might perform a procedure immediately. This could involve extracting a tooth, placing a temporary filling, repositioning a displaced tooth, or other necessary interventions.

Aftercare instructions: the dentist may provide you with detailed aftercare instructions (if required) to ensure proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Follow-Up appointments: depending on the nature of the emergency, you might need a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure that the issue is fully resolved.

Recommend registering with a dentist: It is advisable to register with a dentist to prevent future emergencies. Regular check-ups and cleanings help maintain oral health and catch problems early.

Temporary Relief while waiting for treatment: while professional care is crucial, the following steps can help manage discomfort temporarily:

• Rinse with warm saltwater; reduces inflammation and cleanses the area.
• Use over-the counter painkillers: follow dosage instructions for pain relief. Avoid aspirin if there is bleeding.
• Apply a cold compress; helps reduce swelling and numb the area.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods; protects the affected tooth from further damage.
• Temporary dental kits: available at pharmacies, these can provide short-term solutions for lost fillings or crowns.

These remedies should not replace professional treatments, especially if you have an infection or severe pain.