A dental emergency is anything that needs attention today rather than at your next check-up. That includes severe or throbbing toothache, swelling of the gum or face, a tooth that has been knocked out or pushed out of place, a broken tooth with a sharp edge or pain, bleeding that will not stop after an extraction, and a lost crown or filling that leaves the tooth sensitive. A small chip that does not hurt can usually wait a day or two, but call us and we will tell you what is safe.
Emergency appointments are available at both of our clinics: the Trade Centre clinic on Al Mankhool Road and the JLT clinic in Indigo Tower, which is also open in the evenings and at weekends. Dr. Karim Fawzi sees most emergencies, with support from Dr. Rahul Menon for root canal problems and Dr. James Whitfield for surgical cases such as an infected wisdom tooth. The emergency consultation includes an examination and an X-ray, so we can find the cause of the problem rather than simply mask the pain.
Some situations need a hospital rather than a dental clinic. If facial swelling comes with a fever, spreads towards the eye or neck, or makes it hard to breathe, swallow or open your mouth, go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away. The same applies after a head injury with dizziness or loss of consciousness. For everything else, come to us. Once the urgent problem is under control, we explain the options for lasting treatment, such as a root canal, a crown or, if a tooth cannot be saved, an extraction and later an implant.
Benefits
Same-day slots at both clinics
We keep emergency appointments free every day at Trade Centre and JLT. Walk-ins are welcome, although calling ahead lets us prepare for you and usually shortens your wait.
Pain relief first
Whether you need an abscess drained, an inflamed tooth opened, a broken edge smoothed or a temporary filling placed, our first goal is to make you comfortable today.
A clear diagnosis
An X-ray is included in the emergency consultation. You leave knowing what caused the problem, what your options are and roughly what each of them would cost.
Specialists in the same team
If you need a root canal, surgery or a new crown, our endodontist, oral surgeon and prosthodontist work within the same group, so your follow-up care is joined up.
How treatment works
Tell us what happened
Call ahead or walk in. Tell us your symptoms, when they started, any medicines you take and any medical conditions, especially diabetes, heart problems or blood thinners.
Examination and X-ray
The dentist examines the area, takes an X-ray and tests the affected teeth to find the true source of the pain, which is not always the tooth that seems to hurt.
Immediate treatment
We treat the urgent problem under local anaesthetic, for example by starting a root canal, draining an infection, repositioning and splinting a knocked-out tooth or covering a broken one.
Plan and follow-up
You receive a written plan for any further treatment, with costs, and clear aftercare advice. We book a review to check healing, usually within a few days to two weeks.
Is it right for you?
- Severe, throbbing toothache that painkillers do not control or that wakes you at night
- Swelling of the gum, cheek or jaw, with or without a bad taste
- A knocked-out, loosened or broken tooth after a fall, sport or accident
- A lost crown or filling, or bleeding that continues after an extraction
Your dentists for emergency dentist
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Hold it by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or water without scrubbing. If you can, push it gently back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth; if not, keep it in a cup of milk. Come to us within 30 to 60 minutes, as the chances of saving it fall quickly after that. Never put a baby tooth back in.
When should I go to hospital instead?
Go to a hospital emergency department straight away if facial swelling is spreading, especially towards the eye or down the neck, if you have a fever with the swelling, or if you find it hard to breathe, swallow or open your mouth. These can be signs of a spreading infection that needs urgent medical care. Go to hospital, too, after a head injury, a suspected broken jaw or heavy bleeding that will not stop.
How much does an emergency appointment cost?
The emergency consultation, including an X-ray, starts from AED 300. Any treatment you need on the day, such as a temporary filling, the start of a root canal or an extraction, is priced separately and explained before we begin. Direct insurance billing is available at our Trade Centre clinic, and larger treatments can be split with Tabby or Tamara or paid in 0% instalments on selected bank credit cards.
How can I ease a toothache until I get there?
Take an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed on the pack, if it is safe for you. A cold compress on the cheek, ten minutes on and ten minutes off, can reduce swelling. Rinse with warm salt water and sleep with your head raised. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue, and avoid very hot or cold food.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at both clinics, seven days a week, and we see emergencies the same day. If you can, call ahead so we can keep a slot ready and tell you which clinic can see you soonest. Our JLT clinic is also open in the evenings and at weekends, which helps if the problem starts after work.
