Stay calm and call early
Dental problems rarely happen at a convenient time. A toothache that keeps you awake, a tooth chipped on a hard sweet or a filling that falls out on a Sunday can all be worrying. The good news is that most dental emergencies can be managed well if you take a few simple steps and get help promptly.
The most important thing is to call us as early in the day as you can on 01784 454 899. We prioritise same-day appointments for people in pain, and our team will ask about your symptoms and find you the first available slot.
Is it a dental emergency?
If you're not sure, call us. As a guide, it's an emergency if you have:
- Severe or throbbing toothache, or pain that keeps you awake
- A chipped, cracked or knocked-out tooth
- A lost filling or a loose crown that leaves the tooth sharp or sensitive
- Swelling in your face or gums, or bleeding that won't settle
What to do while you wait
These steps can help keep you comfortable until we see you:
- Take over-the-counter painkillers as directed on the packet
- Hold a cold compress against your cheek to help with swelling
- Rinse gently with warm salty water to keep the area clean
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
If a tooth is knocked out
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the part you normally see), not the root. Keep it in milk and come in as soon as you can. The sooner we see you, the better the chance of saving it.
When to go to A&E instead
Go to A&E or call 999 if you have swelling that's affecting your breathing or swallowing, bleeding that won't stop, or a serious injury to your face or jaw. These need urgent hospital care.
Outside opening hours
If the practice is closed, call 01784 454 899 and listen to the recorded message for the emergency dentist's contact number.
What happens at your emergency appointment
When you come in, your dentist will examine the area and take X-rays if needed to find the cause. We'll then relieve your pain and stabilise the tooth, for example with a dressing, a temporary filling or a simple extraction.
Our emergency appointment is £183. It covers your assessment and treatment to relieve your pain. If the tooth needs more extensive treatment, such as root canal treatment or a crown, that costs extra, and we'll always tell you the cost before we start. If you go ahead with further treatment on the same tooth, we take the £183 off.
Prevention helps
Many emergencies start as small problems that grow quietly. Regular check-ups and hygiene visits let us spot a cracked filling or early decay before it turns into a painful evening.
If you're in pain now, see our emergency dentist page or call us straight away.
Written and reviewed by Dr Colin Houston, BDentSc (Dublin 1992), GDC 68287. Last updated .
