What counts as a dental emergency
You don't need to wait for a dental problem to get worse. The NHS lists these as urgent dental problems:
- a knocked-out tooth or another injury to your teeth
- severe pain that painkillers don't help
- a swelling or lump that keeps growing
- a broken or loose filling, crown, bridge, veneer or denture
If you aren't sure, it's fine to ask. A call costs nothing.
When to go to A&E or call 999
Some problems are bigger than a dental emergency. Go to A&E or call 999 if you have:
- a serious injury to your face or jaw
- heavy bleeding from your mouth that won't stop
- severe swelling of your mouth, lips, throat or neck, with trouble breathing
- an injury to your head or face that made you lose consciousness, be sick or see double
Don't drive yourself. Ask someone to take you, or call 999 for an ambulance.
If you're unsure whether you need A&E, you can call NHS 111 or use 111 online.
What to do while you wait for help
Here are some things you can do at home:
- Ask a pharmacist which painkiller is right for you. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are common choices, but they aren't right for everyone.
- Keep any pieces of a broken tooth, and bring them with you.
- Bring a list of the medicines you take.
- Try to keep your mouth clean, and brush gently around the sore area.
A knocked-out tooth
The NHS treats a knocked-out tooth as an emergency, even if you can't find the tooth.
For an adult tooth, hold it by the crown, which is the white part. Don't touch the root. If it's dirty, rinse it gently in milk or saline. Try to push it back into the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it there. If it won't go back in, keep it in milk or spit and get to a dentist quickly.
For a baby tooth, don't push it back in. This could harm the adult tooth growing underneath.
Getting help in Boston
Call your dentist first. If you don't have one, or they can't see you, you can call NHS 111, who can advise you. Some emergency care may carry a charge.
At Boston Dental HQ, our phone line is open 24/7 for dental emergencies: 01205 337 000. Our guide price for an emergency appointment is £25. You can read more on our emergency page, and about the appointment on our emergency appointments page.
Your dentist will look at the problem, explain your options and tell you the cost before they start. They may not be able to finish everything in one visit.
After an emergency visit
Follow the advice your dentist gives you. Take painkillers as directed. If the pain gets worse, swelling grows, or you feel unwell or have a fever, call us again or call 111.
Many dental emergencies start as small problems. A regular check-up is a good way to catch them early.