Emergency Dentistry

What is considered a dental emergency?

The most common reason for an emergency appointment is toothache. Pain can be caused by deep tooth decay, a crack or inflammation of the dental pulp, known as pulpitis or simply a severe toothache. Inflammation or infection can also develop around the root of a tooth and cause pain when biting, swelling or an abscess.

A broken tooth, loose or broken filling, or a crown that has come loose may also require prompt treatment. The same applies to dental injuries, for example if a tooth becomes loose, is displaced or is completely knocked out. In these situations, it is important to contact a dentist immediately, as prompt treatment can make a significant difference to the chances of saving the tooth.

Other dental emergencies include gum infections, inflammation around wisdom teeth, severe pain following a tooth extraction or dental procedure, and bleeding that does not stop normally.

What happens during an emergency appointment?

The aim of an emergency appointment is to identify the cause of the problem, relieve pain and prevent the condition from getting worse. The dentist will review your symptoms, examine your teeth and mouth, and take X-rays if necessary. Tests may also be carried out to assess the condition of the dental pulp and determine which tooth is causing the pain.

Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. This may include placing a temporary filling, starting root canal treatment, opening and cleaning an infected tooth, draining an abscess, extracting a tooth, or repairing a broken or sharp edge of a tooth. If a filling or crown has come loose, we will assess whether it can be reattached or whether a temporary repair is needed.

We place great emphasis on explaining what is causing the problem and what treatment options are available.

Are antibiotics always needed for an infection?

Antibiotics are not necessary for most toothaches and do not replace treatment of the underlying cause. In most cases, the infected tooth needs to be opened, cleaned or treated with a root canal, an abscess needs to be drained, or the tooth needs to be removed.

Antibiotics may be necessary if the infection is spreading, there is significant swelling or general symptoms have developed, such as fever or feeling unwell. Your dentist will assess whether antibiotics are needed in each individual case.

Do I need to come back after an emergency appointment?

During an emergency appointment, the main focus is on diagnosing the problem, relieving pain and treating anything that cannot safely wait. Sometimes treatment can be completed during the same appointment, but often another appointment is needed to resolve the problem permanently.

For example, you may need to complete root canal treatment, have a permanent filling or crown placed, have a tooth extracted or receive follow-up care after an injury. The dentist will explain the next steps and can provide a treatment and cost estimate if further treatment is required.

When do I need immediate medical attention?

Severe or rapidly increasing swelling in the face or mouth can be a sign of a serious infection. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading towards the eye, heavy bleeding that does not stop, or a serious facial injury, seek immediate attention at an emergency department or call 112.

How much does an emergency appointment cost?

The cost depends on which examinations and treatment are required. An examination, X-rays and emergency treatment are the most common charges. You can see examples of our prices in our price list.

Do you need an emergency dental appointment?

If you have toothache, swelling, a broken tooth or another urgent dental problem, it is best to call the clinic so that we can help you as quickly as possible. We will assess how urgent the situation is and do our best to find an appointment for you as soon as possible.