Pain that cannot wait
Call the practice and describe what is happening, since when and how it is evolving. The team tells you when to come. The degree of urgency cannot be determined from a web page.
When to call
- Pain that becomes hard to bear
- A tooth that breaks or moves after a knock
- Swelling of the gum, cheek or face
- Bleeding that does not stop after a procedure
- A tooth knocked out of its socket
While waiting for the appointment
- Do not apply any product directly on the tooth or gum without professional advice.
- After a procedure or a knock, follow the instructions given by the practice.
- For an injury, note when the knock happened and whether a tooth moved, broke or came out.
- If symptoms change or get worse, call again so the situation can be reassessed.
Life-threatening emergency
Difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or uncontrollable bleeding are matters for the emergency services. In Switzerland, call 144 immediately.
Outside opening hours
Outside opening hours, follow the instructions on the practice's answering machine or contact the on-call service of the SSO Geneva. [ON-CALL SERVICE NUMBER TO BE CONFIRMED]
How an emergency consultation goes
The dentist starts by identifying the likely source of the problem and checking the tissues concerned. The first aim may be to relieve, stabilise the situation or protect the tooth. If further treatment is needed, the options and next steps are explained before continuing.
An emergency therefore does not always lead to a complete treatment the same day. What is done depends on the examination and on what can be done in good conditions. The treatment page details what is checked.
Frequently asked questions
When should I call for a dental emergency?
Call in case of severe pain, a broken tooth, swelling, injury or bleeding that worries you. Describe the symptoms precisely on the phone.
Does the practice see patients without an appointment?
Call before coming. The team can tell you when to come depending on the situation and availability.
What should I do outside opening hours?
Follow the instructions on the practice's answering machine or contact the on-call service of the SSO Geneva. In a life-threatening emergency, call 144.