How to get an emergency NHS dental appointment
- Call your usual dentist or find a dentist near you – ask if you can have an emergency NHS appointment.
- If they're closed, their answerphone message may tell you what to do.
If you're in pain while waiting for an appointment, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. You can ask a pharmacist for advice about how much to take and how often.
Most adults need to pay for NHS dental appointments.
A pharmacist can help with teeth and mouth problems
A pharmacist can give you advice on how to manage common symptoms affecting your mouth and teeth, including:
- toothache
- bleeding, swollen or painful gums
- mouth ulcers you've had for less than 2 weeks – see a dentist if you've had a mouth ulcer for more than 2 weeks
- a lost filling or crown
They can also tell you if you need to see a dentist.
Urgent advice: Ask for an emergency dental appointment or get advice from NHS 111 now if:
- you have a knocked-out tooth or other injury affecting your teeth
- you have severe pain that's affecting your sleep or daily activities, and is not helped by painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- you have a painful swelling or lump inside your mouth or on your gums
- you have swelling or a lump inside your mouth that's getting bigger
- you've recently had a tooth removed and have severe pain or non-stop bleeding
- you think you need an emergency dental appointment
NHS 111 can tell you where to get help with your symptoms if you cannot get a dental appointment.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if you have:
- serious injuries to your face, mouth, jaw or teeth
- heavy bleeding from your mouth that will not stop
- severe swelling of your mouth, lips, throat or neck, and you're having difficulty breathing or opening 1 or both eyes
- any injury to your head or face that's caused you to lose consciousness, vomit, or have double vision
If you're not sure if you should go to A&E, call 111 or use 111 online to find out what to do.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.