Updated September 2019
There are times when people need a dentist urgently. It may because of bleeding, trauma to the mouth, or swelling of the face or neck. We can help!
Are you near the South Devon – Cornwall border? If you need a dentist urgently, SpaDental Plymouth can help.
Perhaps you’ve moved recently and haven’t managed to register with a dentist yet, or perhaps you’re visiting our area. None of us ever know when we may need dental attention for ourselves or a family member in a hurry. It’s good to know how to get in touch with people who can help.
When we prepare the daily schedule, we keep some free slots for emergency patients. Our emergency appointments are only allocated on a “first come first served” basis. As these fill up quickly, we recommend that if you need a dentist urgently you don’t delay. Call the practice as early as possible on 01752 663870 to see if you can have an appointment the same day.
For new private patients with pain, an emergency appointment during a working day is currently £126.00. The charge covers the treatment of most causes of emergency pain.
Of course, existing patients may also call in for same day emergency treatment, and are charged according to their regular payment arrangements. If anything further is needed, the dentist will provide a full treatment plan, with the costs outlined.
What if I need to see a dentist when the practice is closed?
We know there are weekends and holidays when it’s impossible to wait until the next day. There are also times when the situation is severe and urgent treatment is necessary.
Bleeding that’s not stopping, or swelling that’s increasing and may obstruct airways, for example, are matters of urgency.
- Call the SpaDental Plymouth phone for the answer machine to give you advice: 01752 663870
- Private, Denplan or DPAS patients may call: 01752 219633
- If it’s possible for one of our dentists to see you out of working hours, there is a call out fee, in addition to the regular appointment and treatment charges.
- The NHS emergency helpline is there 24/7 for advice or help:
- If you’re in England call 111
- NHS advises only visiting A&E for dental care in serious circumstances, such as:
- severe pain (when self-administered pain relief is inadequate or not possible for medical reasons)
- heavy bleeding
- injuries to the face, mouth or teeth
- Call the NHS on: 01392 823682
- Unless you are entitled to free dental care, the NHS charges the Band 1 rate for emergency treatment. The current cost is £21.60. The emergency dentist will manage pain and do what is clinically essential to solve the immediate problem. Any further treatment will not be counted as urgent and will be charged according to the Band 1, 2 or 3 rates.
- Note that the NHS does not usually count as a dental emergency: toothache, a broken denture or chipped tooth, a lost crown or filling.
- Always be clear about the cost before you begin treatment.
First aid to help you manage toothache until you can see a dentist:
- Take a painkiller, following the instructions for use. A painkiller disguises the problem. Don’t rely on them, or avoid treatment.
- Rinse the mouth with salty water.
- Avoid things that are very hot, cold, sweet or spicy.
- Eat soft foods to avoid pressure.
- Try some gum numbing gel (if there’s a chemist open).
Help for a knocked out tooth:
- Apply pressure to the tooth site to control bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to control swelling.
- Put the tooth in a container covered with a little cow’s milk or saliva.
- Only touch the crown of the tooth, not the root.
- An adult may be able to store the tooth between the gum and lip.
Tips to avoid urgent dental care:
Prevention is cheaper than cure!
- Take time to establish a conscientious oral hygiene routine yourself, help children to learn good care, and also help older family members and others who may find everyday routines challenging.
- Make regular ‘direct access’ appointments with our dental therapist.
- Consider joining our payment plan to spread the cost of treatment.
If it’s not so urgent but you’re in pain, then a pharmacy can help.
Your pharmacist is a trained health care professional who can suggest pain relief medication to ease a dental problem until you can see your dentist.