Jaw Injury or Pain in North London? Emergency Guidance

A severe jaw injury is a medical emergency requiring hospital treatment. Go to the nearest Accident and Emergency department if facial trauma shows one or more of these: severe uncontrolled bleeding; trouble breathing or swallowing; suspected jaw fracture or dislocation with a bite that feels completely off; concussion signs such as dizziness, memory loss, or vomiting after a head injury. These signs require hospital care beyond a dental clinic. The Royal Free or Barnet Hospital serve North London as major A&E centres. Do not delay seeking hospital care with these symptoms.

Your urgent assessment at our Finchley practice lasts about 60 minutes. We begin with a gentle examination and ask how the injury happened and what symptoms you have. Then we use a 3D CBCT scanner to capture a detailed image of your jawbone and teeth. The scan is painless and takes under a minute, yet it shows fractures or damage clearly. Based on the scan and exam, we provide a diagnosis. We treat dental issues, offer pain relief, and, if hospital care is needed, we give an immediate referral letter for you to take to A&E. For example, a Muswell Hill patient who fell was scanned quickly, diagnosed with a minor fracture, and referred to hospital with our notes, speeding their A&E visit.

Aftercare depends on injury severity. For minor issues like a bruised jaw or strained muscle, we suggest a soft-food diet for 1-2 weeks, anti-inflammatory meds such as ibuprofen, and gentle jaw exercises once pain subsides. For fractures or dislocations treated in hospital, the maxillofacial team provides specific instructions, often a liquid or soft diet for 6-8 weeks and limits on physical activity. Follow all aftercare instructions closely. If pain, swelling, fever, or trouble breathing worsen after any treatment, contact our practice during opening hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) or go to A&E outside those times.

Orthognathic surgery is a planned elective procedure to fix bite and alignment, not an emergency. If you have a non-traumatic issue like a locked jaw or severe TMJ pain, an urgent assessment remains the first step. We help distinguish between a muscle issue (TMD), a joint dislocation, or a dental problem. For muscular issues, options include physiotherapy, bite splints, or pain relief. For severe alignment problems seen after healing, referral to an orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon for planned orthognathic surgery is the long-term path. Our role is to provide the immediate diagnosis that sets you on the right path.

To ensure you receive the right care, whether at our practice or another in North London, ask these questions: What imaging or scan will you use to diagnose the problem? Based on symptoms, should I be at a hospital A&E instead? What are the costs for an emergency assessment and the 3D scan? Can you provide an immediate referral letter if hospital care is needed? What are the signs that the condition is worsening and requires immediate hospital attention?

The urgent assessment at our private practice, including a 3D CBCT scan, has a fixed fee. Contact us for the current price. This covers the full diagnostic process at your appointment. We provide clear pricing with no hidden fees. We operate as a private practice and do not offer NHS services, but we accept private dental insurance from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Tell the reception team your insurance details when you book.