Skip to main content

How to find an NHS dentist in an emergency

If you need urgent or emergency dental care you'll need to get an emergency dental appointment, or contact NHS 111.

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.

Information:

Most adults need to pay for NHS dental appointments.

Find out how much NHS dental treatment costs.

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.

Information:

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.

Page last reviewed: 14 May 2025
Next review due: 14 May 2028