Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments in East Finchley

It's important to know the difference between an urgent problem and a genuine dental emergency. A true emergency involves uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain that isn't managed by painkillers, or swelling that affects your breathing or vision. Seek an immediate appointment if a tooth was knocked out in an accident or you suspect a dental abscess with facial swelling. For less urgent issues like a lost filling or a chipped tooth without pain, book the next available appointment. If you are unsure, call our practice on 0203 488 0335 for advice during our opening hours.

If an adult tooth is knocked out, time is critical. Handle the tooth only by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saliva but do not scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket and hold it in place by biting on a clean cloth. If you can't, store it in a small container of milk and call us immediately. Getting to a dentist within 30-60 minutes offers the best chance of saving the tooth.

A dental abscess is a serious infection that will not go away on its own and requires urgent treatment. Symptoms include intense, throbbing pain, facial swelling, and sometimes a fever. While you wait for your appointment, you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to manage the pain. Avoid hot or cold food and drink. Do not apply heat directly to your face, as this can draw the infection outwards.

When you arrive for your emergency appointment, our first priority is to get you out of pain. The appointment, typically lasting 30-60 minutes, will start with a focused examination of the problem area, which may include a digital X-ray or a 3D CBCT scan. Dr. Reddy will diagnose the issue and explain the best course of action. Treatment on the day will focus on immediate relief—this could be draining an abscess, dressing a broken tooth, or re-implanting a knocked-out tooth. A follow-up appointment is often needed for a permanent solution like a root canal or crown. We'll make sure you're numb with local anaesthetic before starting any procedure.

After your emergency treatment, you may have some tenderness for 24-48 hours. We recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and sticking to a soft diet, avoiding the treated area. For a knocked-out tooth that has been re-implanted, you'll need to be very careful for several weeks. If you've had an abscess drained, it's important to finish any prescribed antibiotics. Red flags—call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): - Increasing pain or swelling after 48 hours. - A fever or feeling generally unwell. - Uncontrolled bleeding from the treatment site. For emergencies outside these hours, or if you have swelling that affects your breathing, visit your nearest A&E or call NHS 111 for advice.

While we handle most dental emergencies, some situations are better managed in a hospital A&E department. You should go to A&E if you have: - Severe, uncontrolled bleeding following an injury or extraction. - Swelling around your eye or throat that is making it difficult to see, breathe, or swallow. - A serious injury to your face, mouth, or jaw (e.g., a suspected broken jaw). A&E staff can manage the immediate medical risk, but you will likely still need to see a dentist for follow-up dental treatment.

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS emergency services. Our emergency assessment fee covers the consultation, any needed X-rays, and initial pain relief. Any definitive treatment required will be quoted separately before we proceed. We believe in full transparency with no hidden fees. We accept dental insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, so please let us know if you are covered. The goal of the first appointment is to make you comfortable and stable, with a clear plan for any further care you need.

To ensure you receive the right care, whether at our practice or another clinic in North London, here are some important questions to ask: - What is the total cost for the initial emergency assessment and what does it include? - What treatment do you plan to provide today to relieve my pain? - Will I need a follow-up appointment, and what is the estimated cost for the complete treatment? - Do you prescribe antibiotics, and if so, for what reason? - What are my long-term options for fixing this tooth permanently?