Urgent dental care · Open today
Examination and Radiographs
Every urgent appointment starts with finding out exactly what is wrong. We examine the tooth and the surrounding tissues, take radiographs where they are needed, and explain what we can see in plain language before any treatment is agreed.
Same-day appointments · No registration required · Evenings & weekends
What this appointment is
Diagnosis first, then a clear plan
Pain rarely points precisely at its cause. A thorough examination separates a cracked cusp from a dying nerve, decay under an old filling from an abscess at the root tip. Radiographs show what the eye cannot: bone loss, infection at the root, decay between teeth and the position of an unerupted wisdom tooth. Once we know which of those you have, we tell you what the tooth needs, how long it takes and what it costs, and treat it in the same visit wherever that is clinically appropriate.
- Digital radiographs on site — images appear in seconds at a low dose, so there is no wait and no second appointment.
- Shown on screen, explained in plain words — you see the same image we do and we point out exactly what we are looking at.
- Costs confirmed before treatment — you leave with a written plan and prices, and nothing is started without your agreement.
When you need it
When an examination is the right first step
You do not need to know what is wrong before you call. Describing the pain is enough for us to book the right appointment length.
Pain you cannot locate
You know the side but not the tooth. Radiographs and testing narrow it down quickly.
A new patient in pain
You are not registered anywhere and have no recent records or images of your teeth.
Swelling or a bad taste
Signs of infection need a radiograph to find the source and judge how far it has spread.
After a knock or fall
Trauma can loosen or fracture a root without anything obvious on the surface, so it needs imaging.
A recurring problem tooth
A tooth that has been treated before and keeps flaring up needs the root and bone assessed.
Pain that keeps moving
Referred pain can feel like it moves between teeth, which usually means testing several of them.
What to expect
What happens at your appointment
History and symptoms
Step 01
We ask when the pain started, what triggers it and what you have taken for it, plus your medical history.
Clinical examination
Step 02
Teeth, gums, soft tissues and bite are checked, and we test the suspect teeth for sensitivity and tenderness.
Radiographs if needed
Step 03
Digital images are taken of the area in question. Only the views that will change the diagnosis are exposed.
Diagnosis and plan
Step 04
We show you the findings, explain the options and give you the costs in writing before anything is agreed.
Price & appointment length
examination
The fee covers the examination, any radiographs needed and a written treatment plan with costs. If you go ahead with treatment at the same visit, the examination fee is the only diagnostic charge you pay.
| Appointment length | 20–30 minutes |
| Radiographs | Included |
| Written treatment plan | Included |
| Treatment same visit | Where appropriate |
| Registration | Not required |
Questions
Before you come in
Not sure what is wrong? That is what the appointment is for. Call the practice and describe the pain.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Digital radiographs use a very low dose, roughly comparable to a day or two of natural background radiation, and we only take the views that will change the diagnosis or the treatment.
Will I be treated at the same appointment?
Wherever it is clinically appropriate, yes. The examination is booked so that straightforward treatment can follow in the same visit rather than sending you away with painkillers.
Do I need to be registered with the practice?
No. There is no registration and no membership. Bring a note of any medicines you take and details of recent dental work if you have them.
What if I am nervous about being examined?
Tell us when you book. The examination itself is gentle and nothing is done without warning you first, and we can work at whatever pace you need.
Can you use recent X-rays from another dentist?
Often yes, if they are recent and show the area in question. Ask your previous practice to send them across and we will avoid repeating them.