Dental pain is the most tolerated pain in South Africa. People live with it for months, manage it with painkillers, and only come in when the face swells. By then it isn’t a dental problem any more. It’s a medical one.
A dental infection that spreads is a medical emergency. Come to our Emergency Room now if you have:
- Swelling of the face, jaw or under the tongue
- Difficulty swallowing, opening your mouth, or breathing
- Fever with severe dental pain
Emergency Room, 24 hours: 012 798 7076
Who we help
- Anyone with toothache, a broken tooth or a lost filling
- Patients needing extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth under general anaesthetic
- People with facial or jaw injuries after an accident or assault
- Patients with jaw problems, cysts, or lesions in the mouth that need surgical assessment
- Anyone with a mouth ulcer or lump that hasn’t healed in three weeks, that needs looking at
- Patients who avoid dentists because of fear. Tell us. We’ll work with it.
What to expect
- Examination and X-ray to find what’s actually causing the pain.
- Pain relief first. You shouldn’t have to negotiate treatment while in agony.
- The options, with prices. What’s urgent, what can wait, what each costs.
- Treatment, in the chair, or in theatre under anaesthetic for complex extractions and surgery.
- Aftercare and medication from our on-site pharmacy on your way out.
Cost and medical aid
Dental benefits vary widely between schemes, we’ll check yours before treatment. Paying cash? Ask for the fixed private fee upfront. You’ll never be surprised by the bill.
Your specialists
Our dentist and maxillofacial and oral surgeon consult on site. Consulting days, rooms and contact details are listed in our hospital directory.
Questions people actually ask
What is a maxillofacial and oral surgeon?
A specialist surgeon for the mouth, jaws and face. They handle complex extractions, jaw surgery, facial fractures, cysts and lesions, the work that goes beyond general dentistry.
I’m terrified of the dentist. What then?
Tell us before we start. Fear of dental treatment is extremely common and usually comes from a bad past experience. We can explain each step before doing it, and for major work, treat you under sedation or general anaesthetic.
Does medical aid cover dentistry?
Some of it, and it varies a lot by plan. Basic dentistry is often covered; specialised work frequently isn’t. We check before treating so you know where you stand.
When does toothache become an emergency?
When your face swells, when you struggle to swallow or open your mouth, or when you have a fever. Infection in the mouth can spread to the neck and airway. That’s an emergency room visit, not a next-week appointment.
Can wisdom teeth be removed under anaesthetic?
Yes. Impacted wisdom teeth are removed in theatre under general anaesthetic, usually as a day case, so you go home the same day.
Can you tell if a mouth sore is something serious?
Any ulcer, white or red patch, or lump that hasn’t healed within three weeks should be examined. Most are harmless. The ones that aren’t are far more treatable when caught early.
Related departments
Book a dental appointment, 012 798 7000