Urgent dental care · Open today
Appropriate Referral to Secondary Care
Most urgent dental problems can be treated here on the day. When a problem needs a hospital team or a specialist, we stabilise you first, make the referral ourselves, and make sure you know exactly what happens next.
Same-day appointments · No registration required · Evenings & weekends
What this service is
Treated here where we can, referred when you need more
Some problems are beyond what a dental practice should treat: a spreading infection affecting breathing or swallowing, a fractured jaw, a suspicious lesion, or a tooth too close to a nerve or sinus to remove safely in the chair. In those cases the right care is with an oral and maxillofacial team or a specialist. We examine you, take radiographs, relieve the pain where it is safe to do so, and send a full referral with our findings and images. If it cannot wait, we tell you to go to A&E and call ahead where we can.
- Stabilised before you leave — pain relief and any safe emergency treatment are provided at the appointment, so you are not left waiting in pain.
- The referral made for you — we write and send it with our clinical findings and radiographs, so the receiving team has everything they need.
- Clear escalation — you know whether to wait for an appointment, go to A&E today, or call us if anything changes.
When we refer
Problems that need a hospital or specialist team
If swelling is affecting your breathing, swallowing or vision, or you have heavy bleeding that will not stop, do not wait for a dental appointment. Call 999 or go to A&E now.
Spreading facial swelling
01
Swelling spreading under the jaw, towards the eye or into the neck, or affecting swallowing or breathing.
A suspected jaw fracture
02
Pain, swelling or a changed bite after a blow to the face, or difficulty opening the mouth.
A suspicious lesion or ulcer
03
An ulcer, lump or patch in the mouth that has not healed within three weeks.
A complex surgical extraction
04
A tooth too close to a nerve or the sinus, or deeply impacted, to remove safely in the practice.
Bleeding that will not stop
05
Bleeding after an extraction or injury that continues despite firm pressure.
Significant medical history
06
A medical condition or medication that makes treatment safer in a hospital setting.
What to expect
How the referral is handled
Assessment and radiograph
Step 01
We examine you, take the radiographs needed and establish whether the problem can be treated here or needs referral.
Stabilising the problem
Step 02
Where it is safe, we relieve pain, control bleeding or drain an infection so you are comfortable and safe in the meantime.
Making the referral
Step 03
We send a referral to the right hospital or specialist team with our findings and images, marked with the correct urgency.
Clear next steps
Step 04
We explain what happens next, how long it is likely to take, and what to do if your symptoms get worse.
Price & appointment length
£00
assessment, from
The fee covers the examination, radiographs, any treatment needed to make you comfortable and safe, and writing the referral. Referral to an NHS hospital team carries no extra charge from us. Any treatment we provide is quoted and confirmed before we start.
| Appointment length | 30–45 minutes |
| Radiographs | Included |
| Referral letter | Included |
| Emergency treatment | Quoted before we start |
| Registration | Not required |
Questions
Before you come in
Not sure whether your problem needs a hospital? Call the practice and describe it, and we will tell you where to go.
Why can't you treat it here?
Some problems need equipment, imaging, sedation or specialist skills that a dental practice does not have, or carry a level of risk that is safer managed in hospital. Referring you is the safest route to the right treatment.
How long will I wait to be seen?
It depends on urgency. Emergencies are sent the same day, urgent concerns such as a suspicious lesion follow a fast-track pathway, and routine specialist referrals are set by the receiving team. We tell you which applies to you.
Will you still treat my pain?
Yes. Wherever it is safe, we relieve pain and stabilise the problem at your appointment so you are comfortable while you wait for the hospital or specialist.
Do I need to be registered with you?
No. You can be assessed and referred without being registered with the practice. We will send a copy of the referral to your usual dentist if you have one.
What should I do if things get worse?
If swelling spreads, you develop a fever, or you have trouble breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth, go to A&E straight away. For anything else, call us and we will advise you.
In pain today?
Call the clinic or book online. New patients are welcome, and no registration is required.