Emergency dental appointments

What counts as a dental emergency?

• Toothache, especially if it keeps you awake
• A broken or chipped tooth, or a lost filling
• A crown, veneer or bridge that has come off
• A knocked-out or loosened tooth after an injury
• Swelling of the gum or face
• Bleeding that won’t stop after an extraction

If a tooth is knocked out

Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or water. If you can, put it back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth; otherwise keep it in milk. Call us straight away; the sooner it’s replanted, the better the chance it will survive.

When to go to A&E or call 999

Go to A&E or call 999 if you have swelling that is affecting your breathing or swallowing, or spreading to your eye or neck; heavy bleeding that won’t stop; or a serious injury to the face or jaw.

Out of hours

Outside our opening hours, email info@guyandfaverodental.co.uk and we’ll reply when the practice opens. For urgent advice out of hours, call NHS 111.

Fees

An emergency appointment is charged at our examination fee (£170). Any treatment needed is explained, with its cost, before we start. See our fees page.

Questions patients ask

Can I be seen the same day?

We aim to see emergency patients the same working day. Call as early as you can.

Do I need to be a registered patient?

No. We see new patients for emergency appointments.

What should I do about toothache until I’m seen?

Over-the-counter painkillers, used as directed on the packet, can help. Avoid very hot or cold food and drinks. Don’t put aspirin directly on the gum.

My crown has come off. What should I do?

Keep the crown safe and call us. Don’t glue it back with household glue.

Reviewed by Dr David Guy BDS (Wales) · GDC No. 81898 · Updated November 2026