Holiday opening and emergency information: 2024 - 2025
22nd December 2024
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season All the team at SpaDental extends best wishes to you and your family, health… read more
Urgent care or dental emergency? FAQs
13th August 2023 | Posted by: Vanessa Giraud
The three categories of dental care for triage
We’re familiar with the term triage from A and E hospital dramas. However, the term is also used to decide how quickly a patient with a dental problem needs to be seen. In an emergency, the patient may need to go to a hospital if there is severe bleeding or swelling that won’t stop. With an ongoing shortage of dentists in the UK, we understand how frustrating it is for patients seeking immediate access to care. Understanding the urgency of different dental care requirements can help you find the treatment you require within the correct time frame.
The aim of this post is to help patients understand the levels of dental care. We answer the questions:
- What is a dental emergency?
- When is a concern urgent?
- What is classed as routine care?
We hope the information below is helpful.
Is my dental problem an emergency?
Of the three dental treatment categories (emergency, urgent and routine) a patient with an emergency should try to see a clinician within an hour, in an emergency care facility. Most cases that require emergency treatment result from trauma to the face or mouth. Some are post-surgical.
Emergency conditions are:
- Severe bleeding that won’t stop.
- Swelling that is significant and increasing.
- Injuries to the jaw or teeth, such as a knocked out secondary tooth, broken jaw.
- Severe dental infection threatening general health, especially in a patient with other significant medical conditions.
- A locked jaw (trismus).
It is an emergency. What do I do?
Emergency dental care is provided by the NHS and facilities designated to provide emergency care. If you think the condition is life-threatening call the emergency services. Otherwise use the NHS 111 online service for advice and instruction. If that is not possible, then call 111.
In addition, dental practices and GP surgeries use answerphone messages to provide information outside working hours that can help you find appropriate care.
Is my problem urgent?
Patients with a condition categorised as urgent need to seek advice for self-help or treatment within 24 hours, whenever possible.
Urgent conditions are:
- Infections which have not spread beyond the tooth, gums, or lower face.
- Severe dental or facial pain that cannot be managed by the patient using non-prescription or previously prescribed medication.
- Broken tooth, or teeth, causing pain as the sensitive pulp is exposed.
It is urgent. What do I do?
Dentists prioritise urgent care, and always do their best to accommodate patients who need help that is not categorised as an emergency.
If you email or call, our team can offer advice and direction. Out of hours, there’s an answer phone message. This is particularly useful if you’re on a payment plan at your dentist that includes appropriate emergency cover.
When we talk about ‘essential treatment’, the term covers appointments that are part of a treatment plan developed to meet an initial urgent need.
Is my problem routine?
Routine care treats a problem that is not a pressing need. The time for routine care is more flexible. It means the patient can manage until s/he can attend an appointment with a qualified clinician. Under usual circumstances, patients are advised to contact their dentist and book an appointment as soon as possible.
As dentists around the UK manage requests for care, appointments are allocated according to the level of need. Patients may need to do more to manage their condition themselves and cope for a longer period of time before they can see a dentist in person.
Please remember, though, to be very careful with online remedies and non-prescription drugs. It’s important not to damage your teeth, mouth or your general health further.
Routine conditions are:
Routine dental problems include the following conditions. It is necessary, although not urgent, to seek advice from a health professional who can assess your case. During this time, advice will usually begin with self-help measures, and a recommendation to access appropriate restorative treatment when feasible.
- Mild or moderate pain that responds to available pain-relief medication.
- Bleeding or swelling caused by trauma that is under control.
- Post-extraction bleeding that the patient is able to manage using self-help measures.
- Loose or displaced crowns, bridges or veneers.
- Broken or loose-fitting dentures, bridges and other appliances.
- Fractured posts.
- Lost, loose or broken fillings.
- Treatments normally associated with routine dental care, such as a chipped tooth.
- Bleeding gums.
It is routine. What do I do?
At this time, advice for dental problems is available by calling most dentists. A clinician or qualified health professional will be available during working hours to give you advice on how to manage your condition until your dental practice opens again.
How can I manage my toothache?
You can alleviate the discomfort of most routine problems until you are able to see your dentist:
- Ask a pharmacist for advice on appropriate pain management. Be sure to mention other medications you take, or health conditions.
- For any medication, read the instructions carefully and follow the recommended dosage.
- Remember – a painkiller only disguises the problem.
- Do not rely on them, and
- Get treatment as soon as you’re able to.
- Numbing (teething) gel can help, so you can take fewer painkillers.
- Rinse your mouth often with water, or salt water.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash is helpful, combined with flossing and brushing.
- Avoid things that are very hot, cold, sweet or spicy.
Can my dentist help?
SpaDental has an Advice and Triage service. We are available to answer your calls, emails and online enquiries. Our aim is to offer you advice to help you manage conditions that are routine or even urgent, until you can see a dentist. If appropriate we may direct you to an emergency facility in your local area.
For your convenience, here is a list of previous articles written about common problems people ask about. They share advice on preventing, managing and resolving dental problems.