Emergencies

What to do right now.

We hold two same-day slots every working day for emergencies — 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. WhatsApp +92 333 844 6200 is the fastest route. If the situation is life-threatening (spreading facial swelling, breathing difficulty), head directly to A&E.

If this sounds like you

· facial swelling· eye swollen shut· fever above 39· difficulty breathing· difficulty swallowing

Go to A&E

This sounds like a spreading dental infection that has gone past what we can handle in the clinic safely. Please go to Shifa International A&E or PIMS emergency — now, not in the morning. Take a photo of the swelling for their records.

Immediate instructions

On the way: do not eat or drink (you may need drainage under anaesthetic). Paracetamol OK; avoid ibuprofen if your stomach is empty. Bring ID and any medication list.

If this sounds like you

· tooth knocked out· avulsed· full tooth out

Come today

Time is critical — a permanent tooth has the best chance of survival if reimplanted within 30 minutes. Please do the following RIGHT NOW, then head to the clinic — we are holding a slot for you.

Immediate instructions

1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (white part), NOT the root. 2. If dirty, rinse it in milk or saline — do NOT scrub. 3. Try to push it back into the socket yourself (yes, really — even if you are not sure, try). 4. If it will not go back in, put it in a small cup of cold milk (NOT water). 5. Call us on +92 333 844 6200 and come immediately.

If this sounds like you

· severe pain· cannot sleep from pain· throbbing pain· abscess· pus

Come today

This sounds like an acute infection or pulpitis. We hold two same-day slots for emergencies — 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you WhatsApp us now, we can confirm which one is free today.

Immediate instructions

In the meantime: paracetamol 1000mg and ibuprofen 400mg together (if no contraindication) works better than either alone. Warm salty rinses every few hours. Cold compress on the cheek if there is swelling. Do NOT put aspirin on the gum directly.

If this sounds like you

· broken tooth· chipped tooth· fractured filling· lost crown

Soon, not urgent

This is not an emergency if there is no pain — we can usually fit you in within 1–2 days. If the sharp edge is cutting your tongue or cheek, use a piece of sugar-free chewing gum to cover it temporarily until your visit.

Immediate instructions

If a crown has come off: keep it, do NOT use superglue, do NOT leave the root exposed too long (the underlying tooth moves). Wear-and-tear food only until your visit.

If this sounds like you

· bleeding after extraction· post-extraction bleeding

Self-care first

Oozing for a couple of hours after an extraction is normal. Apply firm pressure with rolled gauze or a clean cotton handkerchief for 30 minutes without interruption — do NOT keep checking every few minutes, the clot needs time to form.

Immediate instructions

If still bleeding heavily 1 hour after firm pressure, WhatsApp us a photo and we will advise. If you were prescribed any blood-thinner and forgot to mention it, tell us immediately.

If this sounds like you

· orthodontic wire poking· bracket loose· aligner does not fit

Soon, not urgent

Orthodontic nuisances are almost never emergencies. Wire poking: orthodontic wax over the end (we gave you a packet at placement). Loose bracket: we can re-bond at your next scheduled visit in 10 minutes. Aligner not fitting: chew on the chewies for 30 minutes — if still not seating, go back to the previous tray and message Dr. Hamza.

Out-of-hours (Sunday, evenings after 8)

Dr. Saira is on-call for genuine emergencies. WhatsApp +92 333 844 6200 — the message goes to her directly. For anything involving spreading infection, difficulty breathing, or significant trauma, head to Shifa International A&E or PIMS Emergency — don't wait for us.