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.
If you have NHS payment exemptions, then these apply to emergency care.
Is my dental emergency urgent?
The NHS does not usually count the following as a dental emergency:
toothache
broken denture
chipped tooth
lost crown or filling.
It’s not urgent, but hurts or feels uncomfortable?
I need to see a dentist as soon as possible. What do I do?
If your emergency is not urgent, then make an appointment to visit the practice during opening hours. We keep some appointment times free for emergency patients each day.
Call the surgery as early in the morning as possible.
Phone early as these slots are on a first call basis and soon fill up during the day.
Call the practice on 01460 61671to arrange an appointment on the same day.
We aim to see emergency patients within 24 hours.
How much do I pay for a private emergency appointment?
Emergency patients not registered with us are charged a fee which covers treatment (e.g. an extraction) needed to solve the immediate problem.
Our registered patients make the emergency appointment, and then pay the fee for the treatment.
If follow-up treatment is needed, the patient receives a full treatment plan outlining procedures and costs.
SpaDental Chard’s payment guideline for adults:
emergency appointment for a registered patient is a minimum of £33,
emergency appointment for a non- registered patient is a minimum of £157.
Children are registered as NHS patients.
What can I take for my toothache until I can see a dentist?
Ask a pharmacist for advice on pain medication.
Check any medication you have been prescribed, and follow the recommended dosage.
Take care if you take non-prescription painkillers.
Follow the instructions for use.
Ask a healthcare professional about compatibility with other medications.
Remember:
A painkiller only disguises the problem.
Do not rely on them, and
Do not 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).