Emergency Jaw Pain in Golders Green: When to Go to A&E

Jaw surgery takes place in hospital and is done by maxillofacial surgeons. After an accident, if you notice signs such as severe jaw pain, swelling, bruising along the jaw or below the ear, trouble opening or closing your mouth, teeth not fitting together, numbness in the chin or lower lip, or heavy bleeding from the mouth, you should go to A&E immediately. There was a recent case of a cyclist from Golders Green who fell and could not align their teeth, and the advised step was the Royal Free Hospital A&E. Call 999 or head to the nearest A&E, for example Barnet Hospital or The Royal Free, when you experience these symptoms. These indicate a possible fracture or dislocation requiring hospital care.

If your jaw pain is not from trauma and focuses on a specific tooth, it is likely a dental emergency we handle. For patients travelling from Golders Green, two stops away on the Northern Line, an emergency appointment at our Finchley practice aims to relieve pain quickly. The appointment lasts about 30-45 minutes and starts with a focused exam and digital X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the issue. We then explain the problem, options, and costs. The goal is immediate relief, which could involve the first stage of a root canal for an infected tooth, an extraction if the tooth is not restorable, or dressing a fractured tooth. A recent case involved a patient with a severe abscess causing jaw pain; we started root canal treatment the same day to drain the infection and relieve the pressure.

First, you dial 0203 488 0335 to book a same-day appointment during office hours. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. When you arrive, we ask about your symptoms and medical history. Next, Dr. Reddy or another dentist performs a focused examination of the painful area. A digital X-ray is almost always taken, which takes less than a minute. For complex pain, a 3D CBCT scan might be needed. Then the dentist explains the diagnosis and treatment options to relieve your pain. Finally, with your consent, we start treatment immediately to make you comfortable. This whole process lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.

After emergency treatment, we provide specific aftercare instructions. If you have had an extraction, bite on gauze for 30-60 minutes and eat soft foods for 3-5 days. For a root canal, the tooth may feel tender for a few days, and over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen helps. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent crown is fitted. Seek urgent contact if you have severe, increasing pain after 48 hours, uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or a high temperature. Call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience these. For severe issues outside these hours, call 111 for advice.

To ensure you receive the right care whether you visit our practice in Finchley or another clinic, here are key questions to ask. What is the total cost for the emergency assessment, including any X-rays? What treatment is recommended to relieve pain today, and what is the cost? Will you need a follow-up appointment, and what is the timeline and estimated cost for that? Are you a private practice, or do you accept NHS patients for emergencies? What other options exist if you cannot proceed with the recommended treatment right now?

Our emergency dental assessment fee is quoted when you book. This fee covers the consultation and any small X-rays required for diagnosis. The cost of any treatment needed to relieve your pain, such as an extraction or the first stage of a root canal, is explained and quoted before we proceed. We believe in full transparency with no hidden fees. As a private practice, we are not bound by NHS fee structures. We accept payment from major insurance providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details with you to your appointment.