Help! I need a dentist urgently! Find emergency care in Whitchurch.

It may be bleeding, trauma to the mouth, or swelling of the face or neck. There are times when people need a dentist urgently. We can help!

If you need a dentist urgently, and you’re in the Shropshire-Cheshire area, SpaDental Whitchurch 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. These fill up during the day, so we recommend that if you need a dentist urgently you don’t delay. Call the practice as early as possible on 01948 664149 to see if you can have an appointment the same day.

The private charge for an emergency appointment is £35. The dentist can provide emergency relief and will probably need to propose a treatment plan. It is possible, however, that the necessary treatment will mean further expense. For example, if you have severe toothache and an extraction is necessary, then the cost is from £89.

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 Whitchurch phone for the answer machine to give you advice: 01948 664149
• You can call this number out of hours to access help from dentists who are ‘on call’ in Shropshire: 01276 502909. The charge for the private assistance of on call rota dentists is from £150.
• The NHS emergency helpline is there 24/7 for advice or help:
  • If you’re in England call 111
  • If you’re in Wales call  0845 46 47
• 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
• 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. Do not 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.

Further reading:

• How can I get the best dental care
• Oral hygiene at Whitchurch
• Dental therapist Whitchurch

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