Dental emergencies can happen at any time. This comprehensive guide focuses on what’s considered a dental emergency and provides simple steps to best handle one.
What is classed as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention in order to stop bleeding or severe pain, or prevent the loss of a tooth. Examples of dental emergencies could include: a knocked out tooth; a cracked or broken tooth causing extreme pain; a broken jaw or dislocation; substantial pain or facial swelling that does not improve even after taking over-the-counter medicine; a serious infection, abscess, or heavy bleeding following a dental procedure.
In cases that are not considered true emergencies, such as minor toothache and chipped fillings, treatment may be done during regular hours at the dentist’s office. However, if you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist right away for advice and perhaps to schedule same-day care. Out of hours, you can contact NHS Direct or 111 for referral to an emergency dental service. If you are unable to reach a dentist and your discomfort is severe or persistent bleeding occurs, go immediately to the nearest Accident & Emergency department.
Examples of a dental emergency
- Tooth knocked out
- Cracked or broken tooth causing severe pain
- Broken or dislocated jaw
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that is not responding to over-the-counter pain medication
- A severe infection or abscess in the mouth
- Heavy bleeding following a dental procedure
Minor issues such as mild to moderate discomfort or broken fillings typically do not qualify as an emergency and would be advised to be treated during regular office hours.
Can I go to A&E with a dental problem?
It is generally not recommended to go to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of a hospital for a dental issue. Accident and emergency departments (A&E) are staffed by doctors and nurses who are trained to deal with a wide range of medical conditions, including dental problems. If you have a toothache or other dental issue that requires immediate attention, you can go to your nearest A&E department for treatment.
However, it’s important to note that NHS emergency departments, and the NHS in general, are usually very busy and are intended for dealing with serious or life-threatening conditions. Dental problems are generally not considered to be an emergency, and there may be long waits before you can see a doctor or dentist. We recommend that you first try to see your regular dentist or contact an NHS 111 service for advice before going to A&E.
But if you do end up going to the emergency department for a dental issue, the staff there will first assess your condition to determine how severe it is. They may ask you questions about your symptoms and may examine your mouth to check for signs of infection or other problems. Depending on the nature of your dental issue, they may be able to provide you with pain relief or antibiotics to help manage your symptoms.
However, in most cases, emergency department will not be able to provide you with a permanent treatment for your tooth, as they will not have the necessary equipment or expertise. In that case, they will likely refer you to a local dentist or oral surgeon for follow-up treatment. They may also advise you on how to manage your symptoms at home until you can see a specialist, and they will also provide you with instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums to prevent the problem from getting worse.
What is the fastest way to see a dentist?
Looking for a dentist in a hurry? The fastest way to see a dentist will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, such as severe pain or trauma to the teeth or mouth, you should contact your local NHS 111 service or visit the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital for immediate care.
However, if you are in need of non-emergency dental care, you can try the following steps to see a dentist as quickly as possible:
- Contact your regular dentist to request an appointment. If you already have a dentist, they may be able to see you for an appointment sooner than a new dentist would be able to.
- Contact a local dental clinic or practice. Many dental clinics and practices have appointments available for new patients and may be able to see you sooner than a regular dentist would be able to.
- Contact your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) for advice and assistance. Your PCT can provide information about dentists in your area who are accepting new NHS patients and may be able to help you find an appointment. Keep in mind that not all services are available through the NHS and those that you may be responsible to pay some or all of the dental care costs for treatments that are available.
- Consider private dental care. Private dentists may have appointments available sooner than NHS dentists, and some offer payment plans or discounts that can make private dental care more affordable.