Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Finchley

It's important to know when a dental problem is a genuine emergency that requires immediate attention. You should call us right away for a same-day appointment if you're experiencing severe symptoms such as intense, throbbing toothache that isn't relieved by painkillers, significant facial swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding after an extraction. A tooth that has been knocked out is also a time-sensitive emergency where seeing a dentist within the hour offers the best chance of saving it. Other urgent issues include a broken tooth causing sharp pain or a suspected dental abscess, which appears as a painful, pimple-like swelling on your gum.

First, call our practice on 0203 488 0335. Our team will ask about your symptoms and provide immediate advice on what to do. We reserve slots every day for urgent cases, so we'll aim to see you the very same day during our opening hours. Your emergency appointment will last around 30-45 minutes. The main goal is to diagnose the problem and get you out of pain. This typically involves a focused examination and digital X-rays. Treatment might include dressing a broken tooth, draining an abscess to relieve pressure, or starting the first stage of root canal treatment. We will provide a clear plan and cost estimate for any follow-up treatment needed.

We handle all types of dental emergencies. For a knocked-out tooth, prompt action is vital. We recently treated a patient from Finchley who had a tooth knocked out playing football. The person called us immediately, and by following our guidance to store the tooth in milk, we were able to successfully re-implant it within the hour. For a dental abscess, which can be extremely painful, we focus on immediate relief. A patient from near Ballards Lane arrived with severe swelling; we saw them that morning, diagnosed the abscess with a 3D scan, and performed treatment to drain the infection and relieve the pain instantly. We also manage severe toothache, lost crowns, and cracked teeth causing pain.

Your aftercare instructions will depend on the treatment you received. If you had a temporary filling, it's best to avoid chewing on that side for 24 hours. After an extraction, you'll need to bite on a gauze pack for 30 minutes and stick to soft foods for a few days. Some tenderness is normal, but this should be manageable with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice immediately if you experience increasing pain after day 3, persistent bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure, a high temperature, or swelling that spreads to your neck or eye during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside these hours, visit A&E or call NHS 111.

As a private practice we do not offer NHS emergency services. A fee applies for the emergency consultation, covering the assessment, diagnosis, and any necessary X-rays. The cost of any on-the-day treatment to relieve pain will be explained before we start. We are transparent with no hidden fees. We accept several payment methods and can provide documents if your treatment is covered by private plans like Max Bupa, Denplan, or Cigna. Our focus is on high-quality, immediate care to resolve your emergency.

To ensure you get the right care, ask these questions when you see an emergency dentist, whether at our Finchley practice or elsewhere: the diagnosis and cause of your pain, the cost for today’s emergency assessment and initial treatment, whether the current treatment is temporary or permanent, what follow-up appointments are needed and their costs, any alternative treatment options, and the risks of delaying further care.