Urgent Care: Dental

Advise the patient to seek urgent dental care at the next available clinic, within 24 hours or as soon as practicable, unless the condition worsens. Treatment should not be delayed if the patient can be seen sooner than 24 hours.

See Timescales for treatment in the SDCEP Management of Acute Dental Problems guidance for more information on providers of care.

Conditions that may be associated with this endpoint are listed below, grouped broadly into those that are common, less common and rare.*

For a brief description of each condition and additional advice on initial management and subsequent care, refer to the relevant sections of the SDCEP Management of Acute Dental Problems guidance via the links below.

Common conditions

Cracked, fractured, loose or displaced tooth fragments and restorations

Less common

Injuries to the mouth, face and jaws

Explanations of terms used are provided in the glossary.

* Note that this is a general categorisation based on the opinion of the Guidance Development Group and is intended only as a guide that might be helpful when considering diagnostic options.