If you have facial swelling that is spreading rapidly, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any serious injury requiring immediate medical attention, please go directly to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999. Do not wait for a dental appointment.
The advice below is designed to help you manage common dental emergencies safely until you can be seen. In all cases, we recommend calling us as soon as possible rather than waiting to see if things improve on their own.
Dental pain may indicate an infection, cracked tooth, or exposed nerve. You can take ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed to relieve discomfort, but never place aspirin directly on the gum. Contact us as soon as possible, as toothache rarely resolves without treatment.
Small chips without pain can usually wait until the next working day. Cover sharp edges with sugar-free chewing gum or orthodontic wax if needed. For larger breaks, keep any broken pieces and contact us immediately if the tooth is loose, out of position, or very sensitive.
A knocked-out adult tooth is a dental emergency. Hold it by the crown, rinse gently if dirty, and if possible, place it back into the socket. If not, store it in milk and contact us immediately. Never reinsert a baby tooth—seek dental advice instead.
If your crown or bridge is loose, avoid chewing on that side and arrange an appointment promptly. If it may fall out, remove it carefully and keep it safe. Never use household glue to reattach it.
A lost filling can cause sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods. A temporary filling kit from a pharmacy may provide short-term relief, but you should book an appointment for a permanent repair.
An abscess is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment. Symptoms include severe toothache, swelling, bad taste, or feeling unwell. Contact us immediately. If swelling spreads to your face, jaw, or beneath the tongue, attend your nearest A&E without delay.
Mild bleeding is normal after an extraction. Bite firmly on clean gauze or a folded handkerchief for 20 minutes without checking it, and keep your head elevated. Avoid rinsing, alcohol, smoking, and strenuous activity. If heavy bleeding continues, contact us or attend A&E.
If you have facial cuts, check that your tetanus vaccination is up to date. If your injury involves a head injury, concussion, severe cuts, or major facial trauma, seek emergency medical care first. Dental treatment can follow once you have been assessed.
Dental pain may indicate an infection, cracked tooth, or exposed nerve. You can take ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed to relieve discomfort, but never place aspirin directly on the gum. Contact us as soon as possible, as toothache rarely resolves without treatment.
Small chips without pain can usually wait until the next working day. Cover sharp edges with sugar-free chewing gum or orthodontic wax if needed. For larger breaks, keep any broken pieces and contact us immediately if the tooth is loose, out of position, or very sensitive.
A knocked-out adult tooth is a dental emergency. Hold it by the crown, rinse gently if dirty, and if possible, place it back into the socket. If not, store it in milk and contact us immediately. Never reinsert a baby tooth—seek dental advice instead.
A lost filling can cause sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods. A temporary filling kit from a pharmacy may provide short-term relief, but you should book an appointment for a permanent repair.
An abscess is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment. Symptoms include severe toothache, swelling, bad taste, or feeling unwell. Contact us immediately. If swelling spreads to your face, jaw, or beneath the tongue, attend your nearest A&E without delay.
Mild bleeding is normal after an extraction. Bite firmly on clean gauze or a folded handkerchief for 20 minutes without checking it, and keep your head elevated. Avoid rinsing, alcohol, smoking, and strenuous activity. If heavy bleeding continues, contact us or attend A&E.
If you have facial cuts, check that your tetanus vaccination is up to date. If your injury involves a head injury, concussion, severe cuts, or major facial trauma, seek emergency medical care first. Dental treatment can follow once you have been assessed.
Most dental emergencies can be avoided or their impact significantly reduced with regular check-ups and good home care. Your dentist will identify developing problems such as weak teeth, old fillings, and early decay before they become acute. The earlier a problem is caught, the simpler and less urgent the treatment required.
If you play contact sports, racket sports, or activities such as horse riding or mountain biking, we would strongly recommend having a custom-made sports guard fitted. A well-made guard protects your teeth, lips, and soft tissue, and can also reduce the risk of concussion. It is a small investment that can prevent a significant injury.
A dental emergency is anything causing significant pain, swelling, bleeding, or that involves trauma to the teeth or mouth.
This includes severe toothache, knocked-out or broken teeth, dental abscesses, lost crowns or fillings causing discomfort, and facial swelling. If you are in doubt, call us and our team will help you assess whether you need to be seen urgently.
No. We aim to accommodate patients experiencing dental pain as promptly as possible, whether or not they are already registered with our practice, subject to appointment availability. We will ask you to complete a brief medical history when you arrive so that we can provide safe and appropriate care.
Please call us regardless. Pain management and stabilising an acute emergency can be straightforward and relatively low-cost. We will always be transparent about fees before beginning any treatment, and we can discuss your options with you on the day.
We will always make sure you are comfortable before beginning any treatment. Local anaesthetic is used for virtually all emergency procedures, and we will not proceed until you are numb and ready. If you are anxious about dental treatment, please tell us when you call: our team is experienced in supporting nervous patients.
Call us straight away. We see children for emergency appointments, and our team is highly skilled in paediatric dental care. If a baby tooth has been knocked out, do not attempt to reimplant it. If an adult tooth has been knocked out and you are unsure whether it is a baby or adult tooth, store it in fresh milk and call us immediately.
Whether you’re booking your first appointment, have a question about our treatments, or simply want advice on your dental care — our friendly team is here to help.
