We use cookies for analytics and advertising. Choose an option:
Clear, calm support when something cannot wait.
Seek prompt assessment for severe toothache, swelling, broken teeth, lost restorations and other urgent dental problems.
Emergency dentistry is for dental problems that need prompt assessment, including severe or worsening toothache, facial or gum swelling, a dental abscess, a broken tooth, a lost restoration and injuries affecting the teeth or mouth.
An urgent appointment focuses on identifying the cause, checking whether infection or damage is spreading and deciding what is needed to make the problem safe. Depending on the diagnosis, care may involve a temporary or definitive restoration, treatment inside the tooth, management of an infection or extraction when a tooth cannot be saved.
Not every emergency can be completed in one visit. The immediate aim is to reduce risk, relieve symptoms where possible and give you a clear plan for any follow-up care. Fees depend on the examination findings and treatment required and should be explained before treatment proceeds.
Severe facial swelling that affects breathing, swallowing or vision, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury to the face requires urgent medical help. Call 999 or attend A&E rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.
Explore guidance and treatment information for the urgent dental problems Night & Day regularly assesses.
Understand why tooth pain can have several causes and why an examination is needed before the right treatment can be recommended.
Prompt assessment for dental infection, local swelling or an abscess, with treatment based on the source and severity.
Assessment of the tooth, pulp and surrounding tissues after a chip, fracture or injury, followed by appropriate protection or repair.
Advice to protect the tooth and an assessment of whether the restoration can be repaired, replaced or needs another form of care.
Assessment for a loose implant crown or bridge, a moving implant, or a veneer that has detached or fractured.
Treatment to remove inflamed or infected tissue from inside a restorable tooth, relieve symptoms and help preserve the tooth.
Careful removal when examination shows that a tooth cannot be predictably saved or retaining it presents an ongoing problem.
Assessment of pain, inflamed gum, decay or infection around a wisdom tooth, with immediate care and longer-term options explained.
Simple steps that may help protect the tooth, reduce discomfort and avoid making the problem worse while you arrange urgent dental care.
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water and keep the area as clean as you can. Arrange an urgent dental assessment if the pain is severe, persistent or worsening.
Avoid: Do not place aspirin directly against the tooth or gum.
Read our toothache adviceHold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and avoid unnecessary handling. If you cannot place it back without force, keep it moist in milk while seeking care.
Urgent: Time matters: contact an emergency dentist immediately for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Keep any broken pieces, rinse your mouth gently and avoid chewing on the affected side until a dentist can assess the damage.
Read about broken or chipped teethA cold compress held against the outside of the face may help with discomfort. Seek urgent dental assessment, especially if swelling is increasing.
Avoid: Do not apply heat directly to the swelling.
Urgent: Worsening facial swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty needs urgent medical help.
Read about dental abscessesKeep the area clean, avoid hard or sticky foods and chew on the other side. Keep a loose crown safe and arrange a dental appointment promptly.
Avoid: Do not use household glue or try to repair the tooth yourself.
Read about lost fillings or crownsApply gentle, steady pressure with clean gauze where appropriate. If bleeding does not settle, or is heavy or uncontrolled, seek urgent assessment.
Significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing or uncontrolled bleeding may need urgent medical assistance rather than waiting for a dental appointment. Call 999 or attend A&E if symptoms are severe or life-threatening.
Use our clinic finder to locate Night & Day emergency dental care, or contact our team if you need help understanding the next step.