What to Do During a Dental Emergency in the UK

If you have a dental emergency in the UK, the most important thing is to get professional help as soon as possible from a dentist who is going to be the best professional to treat you. Contact your dentist immediately, look for an out of hours emergency dental service if your practice is closed, or call NHS 111 for advice if you are unsure where to go.

Do not ignore severe pain, swelling, heavy bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth, as quick treatment can improve the outcome and help prevent more serious problems. In most cases, you should not visit a GP practice because they are not trained or equipped to treat dental problems.

Speak to Gabriel’s Hill Dental Practice For Dental Emergencies

Gabriel’s Hill is based in the City Centre of Maidstone and we are available to help with dental emergencies including evenings and weekends upon request. For sharp tooth pain of following an accident, we can help you get the best treatment possible and get you back to feeling your best.

For emergency dentists in Maidstone, please contact us on 01622 677 100 to speak to our team and arrange an appointment.

Key takeaways

Contact your dentist straight away or find an out of hours emergency dentist if your practice is closed.
Call NHS 111 if you need urgent advice or help finding emergency dental care.
Do not visit a GP for a dental emergency, as they cannot provide dental treatment.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Not every toothache is a dental emergency, but some problems need urgent attention. You should contact a dentist immediately if you have:

Severe toothache that does not improve with pain relief.
A knocked-out adult tooth as a result of a fall or injury
Uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth.
Swelling of your face, gums, or jaw, especially if it affects breathing or swallowing.
A broken or cracked tooth causing severe pain.
Signs of infection, such as swelling, pus, or a fever after dental treatment.

Getting treatment quickly can reduce pain and improve the chances of saving a damaged tooth.

Find an out of hours dentist to help with an emergency

Dental emergencies do not always happen during normal opening hours. If your regular practice is closed, search for an out of hours emergency dental service in your area. Many NHS and private dental practices provide emergency appointments during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

Calling ahead is important. The practice can assess your symptoms, explain whether you need to be seen urgently, and tell you what to do before your appointment.

Call NHS 111 for advice

If you are unsure what to do or cannot contact a dentist, call NHS 111. They can assess your symptoms, provide advice, and direct you to an emergency dental service if needed.

NHS 111 is particularly useful outside normal surgery hours or if you are away from home. They can help you find appropriate care without unnecessary delays.

Should you go to a GP practice?

No. GP practices do not provide dental treatment and cannot fix dental problems such as tooth infections, broken teeth, or severe toothache.

A GP may occasionally prescribe medication if there is a medical reason and you can find a pharmacy open on weekends, but they will usually advise you to see a dentist instead. Going directly to a dental professional is the quickest way to receive the correct treatment and avoid delays.

Consider a private dentist for an emeregency

Private dental practices can often offer faster access to emergency appointments, especially when NHS services are busy, fully booked or could require waiting for several hours.

Many practices keep same-day emergency appointments available, helping patients receive treatment sooner – and may also have longer opening hours, weekend appointments, and a wider choice of treatments that can be provided immediately.

If you are in severe pain or have a dental injury that cannot wait, a private practice may be the quickest route to getting the care you need.

While there is a cost involved, prompt treatment can sometimes prevent a small problem becoming a more complex and expensive one later.

Why acting quickly after a dentist emergency matters

Dental emergencies should never be ignored. According to the NHS, untreated dental infections can spread and become serious if left without treatment. Acting quickly can reduce the risk of complications and improve your chances of saving a damaged tooth.

Final thoughts

Knowing what to do during a dental emergency can save you time, reduce pain, and protect your oral health. Contact your dentist first, look for an out of hours emergency service if necessary, and call NHS 111 if you need advice or help finding urgent care.

Avoid visiting a GP practice for dental problems, as they are unable to provide dental treatment. If NHS appointments are unavailable, a private dental practice may be able to see you much sooner, helping you get the treatment you need without unnecessary delays.