What is considered a dental emergency?

When you are struggling with dental pain, it can be difficult to know what to do. Dental issues are different to medical issues and you might need to take different steps in order to receive treatment. Before you seek help, it’s useful to understand the severity of your problem so that you can ensure you are treated promptly and by the right person.

 

When is it a dental emergency?

 

Dental emergencies can be life-threatening and should be taken seriously. You ought to see a dentist immediately if you are suffering from any of the following issues.

 

1. Severe swelling of your mouth. Swelling can be an indicator of a serious infection and you might need medication urgently to prevent the situation getting worse. 
   
   The most concerning symptoms are: swelling that is affecting your breathing or preventing you from opening an eye, a high fever that is making you feel unwell, or an increased heart rate. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you should call 111 or go to A&E immediately.  
    
2. Uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth. If you have recently had a dental extraction or dental trauma and now have significant bleeding, you should seek help immediately. This can be frightening and is more common if you are on blood-thinning medication. 
   
   To resolve your bleeding quickly, you should contact the dentist who extracted your tooth, call 111 or go to A&E.
    
3. Tooth loss from an accident. If you have suffered any other injuries, like a knock to your head, you should call 111 or go to A&E as soon as possible. If your only injury is damaged or lost teeth, then you should contact a dentist immediately. 
   
   Try to keep any tooth fragments or whole teeth in saline, milk or saliva, and take them with you to your appointment.

 

4. Severe dental pain. If you are in severe pain then your emergency dentist will try to see you on the same day, but this might not always be possible. Your appointment might involve treatment, such as an extraction or removing the nerve from the tooth, or a course of antibiotics.
   
   It is important to contact your dentist if anything changes whilst you are waiting to be seen. Key symptoms to keep in mind include: swelling, bleeding, or beginning to feel generally unwell. These symptoms might indicate a more serious issue that requires urgent attention. 

 

When is it not a dental emergency?

 

Changes in your mouth can be alarming, but it is important to know when a dental problem is not an emergency.  

 

The list below is not exhaustive, but as a general rule, if you are in severe pain or distress then it is an emergency. If you are not in significant pain, then it is not an emergency.

 

1. Lost fillings or crowns. It can feel strange if a filling or crown falls out, but it does not need to be resolved immediately. You can buy temporary filling kits from pharmacies to help if the tooth’s edges are sharp or if it is very sensitive. This is not a long-term solution but can help relieve discomfort until you can see a dentist. 

 

2. Chipped teeth. Unless your chipped or cracked tooth is causing you substantial pain, it is not an emergency.

 

3. Toothache or gum pain. If you are in pain and have no other symptoms, then this is not considered an emergency. Dentists will still try to see you urgently, but patients with more time-critical problems will be seen first.

 

Even if your dental issue is not considered an emergency, you should still contact your dental practice. Most dentists keep daily appointments available for urgent issues, and you might be able to see a dentist sooner than you expect. 

 

How can I find an emergency dentist near me if I'm experiencing severe dental pain or other urgent symptoms?

 

If you have decided that you are experiencing a dental emergency, you should seek help immediately. 

 

You can consult our guide on What to do if you have a dental emergency [link] for clear steps on how to access help, both on the NHS and privately. 

 

What are the typical costs associated with emergency dental care?

 

If you receive NHS dental care, from April 1st 2024 you will pay a Band 1 charge of £26.80 to receive emergency dental care. If you know you are exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment, such as if you are pregnant, your emergency dental care will be free of charge.

 

If you opt to receive private dental care, an emergency appointment in London will likely cost around £80. This price will generally not include additional treatment costs, such as the cost of a temporary filling or antibiotics. 

 

You can find private pricing information by searching your postcode on our homepage. To assist your decision, you can then order by price of emergency appointment. 

 

Both private and NHS dentists will seek to treat the emergency during the appointment. You might then be advised to book a further appointment to resolve the underlying issue. This might involve receiving a permanent filling to replace a temporary emergency filling, having a tooth extracted, or other routine treatments. 

 

Are there any temporary measures I can take at home to alleviate pain or discomfort while waiting to see a dentist for a non-emergency dental issue?

 

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort whilst waiting for a dental appointment, there are some steps you can take at home to manage your symptoms.

 

Over-the-counter pain relief. These can help alleviate dental pain temporarily. Evidence shows that alternating paracetemol and ibroprofen can be particularly effective at reducing swelling and inflammation alongside managing pain. 

 

Be careful to take only the recommended daily dose of any pain relief: an overdose of paracetamol in particular can be life-threatening. 
 

Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. This can reduce swelling and inflammation and provide temporary numbing relief. 

 

Buying temporary treatments from pharmacies. You can buy temporary filling kits, temporary cement for crowns and bridges, and denture repair kits from pharmacies. These can reduce discomfort, particularly if your tooth has sharp edges that are cutting your mouth or tongue. 

 

Reviewed by Dr. Emily Black BDS(Bris) GDC 296586