Categories of care

Conditions include:

• trauma including facial/oral laceration (cuts to the face or mouth) and/or dentoalveolar injuries (e.g a permanent tooth is knocked out)
• oro-facial (mouth and face) swelling that is significant and worsening 
• post-extraction bleeding that the patient is not able to control with local measures
• dental conditions that have resulted in acute systemic illness (e.g. chills, extreme shivering, increasing temperature, dehydration, lethargy) as a result of dental infection
• severe trismus (restricted mouth opening)
• oro-dental (mouth and teeth) conditions that are likely to worsen existing medical conditions (e.g. increased risk of low blood sugar in patients with diabetes)

Timescale:

Provide immediate contact with a clinician, ideally within 60 minutes, and subsequent treatment within a timescale that is appropriate to the severity of the condition.

If the dental problem is resulting in severe or life-threatening symptoms (e.g. severe dehydration, signs of airway compromise or sepsis) or is secondary to a more significant problem (e.g. a significant facial injury) advise the patient to contact NHS24/NHS111 (Tel: 111) or call 999.

Conditions include:

• dental and soft-tissue infections without a more widespread systemic effect 
• severe dental and facial pain: that is, pain that cannot be controlled by the patient following self care advice (e.g. use of painkillers)
• fractured teeth; tooth with dentine/pulp exposure; teeth that have moved due to trauma

Timescale:

Provide self care advice. Provide 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.

Conditions include:

• mild or moderate dental pain: that is, pain not associated with an Urgent Care condition and that responds to pain-relief measures
• minor dental trauma
• post-extraction bleeding that the patient is able to control using self-help measures 
• loose or displaced crowns, bridges or veneers, without pain or trauma 
• fractured or ill-fitting dentures and other appliances; fractured posts; fractured, loose or displaced fillings
• bleeding gums

Timescale:

Provide self care advice. Provide access to an appropriate service within 7 days if required. Advise patient to call back if their condition worsens.