Emergency Dental Appointments in Finchley | Clear Pricing

It's sometimes hard to tell if a problem is an emergency. Call us for a same-day appointment if you have severe, persistent toothache that isn't relieved by painkillers; swelling in your face, gums, or jaw; a tooth that has been knocked out; uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth; or a visible abscess on your gum. These signs point to a problem that needs immediate attention to prevent complications. For less urgent issues like a missing filling or a small chip, we can still offer prompt care, but the listed issues stay the priority.

Your emergency appointment lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and focuses on getting you out of pain. First, we listen to your symptoms and take digital X-rays or use our 3D CBCT scanner to diagnose the problem accurately. Then Dr. Reddy explains the findings and lays out the treatment options with a clear breakdown of all costs. The immediate goal is relief, which might involve dressing a tooth, draining an abscess, or prescribing antibiotics. If further treatment such as a root canal or extraction is needed to resolve the issue, we schedule a follow-up. You leave our Finchley practice with a clear plan and relief from your pain.

While you wait for your appointment, there are steps you can take to ease your symptoms. For a toothache, rinsing with warm salt water helps reduce inflammation. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes at a time for relief. You may take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, but do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum as it can burn tissue. If a tooth has been knocked out, handle it only by the crown, rinse gently with milk or saliva, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in a small container of milk and bring it with you. Getting to a dentist within an hour is key to saving the tooth.

We believe in clear, upfront pricing, especially during a stressful emergency. The cost of an emergency appointment depends on the diagnosis and the treatment needed to relieve your pain. A consultation and X-ray to determine the cause will have a set fee, and we provide a full written estimate for any further treatment before proceeding. There are no hidden fees. As a private practice, NHS services are not offered, but we accept major insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which can help cover urgent care costs. For example, a simple emergency dressing might be a small fixed cost, while starting a complex root canal would form part of a larger plan. We discuss all options to fit your needs.

After emergency treatment, you may feel mild tenderness or sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. We provide specific instructions based on your procedure. You might need soft foods for a day or two and should avoid chewing on the treated side. Follow any prescribed medication, such as antibiotics, and attend your follow-up to ensure the problem is fully resolved. If you notice increasing pain after 48 hours, fever, persistent swelling spreading to your face or neck, or a bad taste in your mouth, contact our practice during office hours. For severe after-hours emergencies, go to A&E or call 111 for advice.

To make an informed choice during a stressful time, here are key questions to ask, whether you visit us or another practice in Finchley: What is the cost for the initial emergency assessment and any necessary X-rays? What is the total cost of the recommended treatment to relieve pain today? Is this a temporary fix, and what are the plans and costs for the permanent solution? Are there alternative treatments we could consider? Do you accept my dental insurance plan such as Denplan or Cigna? What are your opening hours and what should I do if pain worsens overnight?