Urgent Assessment for Facial & Jaw Injuries near Golders Green

If you had a fall, a sports injury, or any impact to the face or jaw, you should seek an emergency assessment. Major trauma belongs in a hospital, but we can handle urgent cases that need quick diagnosis. You are a candidate for an urgent assessment with us if you have persistent jaw pain after an injury, trouble opening or closing your mouth, a bite that no longer fits, or localised swelling. We help diagnose the injury and can use a 3D CBCT scan to find hairline fractures a standard dental x-ray might miss, ensuring the right hospital referral if needed. We often see patients from Golders Green who want a fast diagnosis without long A&E waits for non life threatening injuries.

Your visit starts with a gentle, thorough exam of the affected area, typically taking 30 to 45 minutes. We'll ask how the injury happened and note your symptoms. Next we usually take a 3D CBCT scan. This imaging gives a detailed view of your facial bones, jaw, and teeth and is essential for accurate diagnosis. The scan is quick, taking less than a minute. Based on the findings, we explain the diagnosis, offer any immediate treatment such as pain relief or stabilising a loose tooth, and plan the next steps. If hospital care is required, we refer you to a maxillofacial unit and share the diagnostic images to speed up treatment. Our goal is to diagnose and set you on the right path within hours of your call.

While you wait for your appointment, apply a cold compress to the area in 20 minute cycles to reduce swelling. If there is bleeding in your mouth, bite down gently on a clean piece of gauze. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the injured side. Paracetamol can help manage pain, but avoid ibuprofen if there is significant bleeding. These steps help manage symptoms before you reach our practice, which is easy for Golders Green residents to reach by the 13 or 143 bus.

Recognise a true medical emergency. Go to the nearest A&E if you have loss of consciousness, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, double vision, or a jaw that is dislocated or broken. Our practice is not a substitute for hospital emergency care in severe trauma. For urgent advice during our office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9-5, Tue Thu 11-7), call us. Outside these hours, dial 111 or visit A&E for emergencies.

For significant facial trauma your main option is visiting an Accident & Emergency department at a hospital such as the Royal Free or Barnet Hospital. This is the proper choice for serious injuries. For very minor knocks with no persistent pain or functional problems you might watch and wait for 24 to 48 hours. But this risks missing a fracture. An urgent assessment at our private practice offers rapid, expert diagnostics for injuries that are serious enough to cause concern but may not be life threatening, helping you avoid long A&E waits while getting a proper diagnosis and care plan.

To understand your situation, here are key questions to ask any provider, whether at our practice or in a hospital setting. What does the 3D scan show? Is there a fracture, and if so how severe is it? What is the recommended treatment plan and its timeline? Do I need to see a maxillofacial surgeon? What are the risks of delaying treatment? What are the full costs for diagnosis and any subsequent private treatment? Asking these questions will help you understand the severity of your injury and the path to recovery.

An emergency consultation and assessment at our private practice has a set fee, which will be confirmed when you book. The cost of a 3D CBCT scan is separate but will be fully explained before we proceed. This approach ensures complete transparency with no hidden fees. While we are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, we do accept patients with private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We recommend contacting your provider to understand your coverage for emergency diagnostics and consultations.