Emergency Dentist for Adults in Finchley Central

It can be hard to know what counts as a true dental emergency. Call us for a same-day appointment if you have severe, persistent toothache that isn’t relieved by painkillers; a knocked-out tooth; a tooth that is loose or has moved after an accident; uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth; or noticeable swelling in your face, cheek, or gums. A lost filling or chipped tooth may also need urgent care if it causes sharp pain or cuts the tongue. For example, a patient from Finchley Central came in with a chipped front tooth hours before a major presentation. We used cosmetic bonding to restore the tooth's appearance in a 45-minute visit.

If a tooth has been knocked out, time is critical. The success rate for re-implanting a tooth is highest if done within the first 60 minutes. Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saliva, but don't scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket and hold it there by biting on a clean cloth. If you can't, store it in a small container of milk or your own saliva and come to us immediately.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area. You can take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, but never place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums as it can cause burns. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the pain while you wait for your appointment. Avoid very hot or cold foods.

First, our priority is to get you out of pain. The initial emergency appointment typically lasts around 30-45 minutes. We'll start by discussing your symptoms and then take digital X-rays or use our 3D CBCT scanner to diagnose the problem accurately. Once we understand the issue, whether it's an infection, a crack, or an abscess, we will explain the findings to you. We'll then provide immediate treatment to relieve your pain, which might involve dressing the tooth, starting the first stage of a root canal, or securing a broken tooth. Finally, we'll provide a clear plan for any follow-up treatment needed and explain all the costs involved. You'll leave our practice with the immediate problem addressed and a clear path forward.

Your aftercare depends on the treatment you receive. For most emergency procedures, you can expect some tenderness for 24-48 hours, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. We'll advise you on what to eat and how to keep the area clean. For example, after an extraction, you'll need to stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid strenuous exercise. Red flags during office hours include pain that gets worse after three days, persistent bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure, a high temperature, or swelling that continues to increase. For emergencies outside of our office hours, visit your nearest A&E or call NHS 111 for guidance.

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS emergency services. The cost of an emergency appointment covers the assessment, any needed X-rays, and the immediate treatment to relieve pain. Further treatment has a separate cost, explained in a full treatment plan with no hidden fees. We accept private insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our focus is on fast, high quality care to resolve the urgent problem.

To ensure you get the right care whether you visit us or another practice near Finchley Central, consider asking these questions: the total cost of the initial emergency visit and what it includes; the likely cause of your pain and the treatment options; whether you will need follow-up appointments; the costs for the full course of treatment; the dentist's experience with anxious patients in emergencies; and the opening hours for follow-up care.