Urgent Care

Emergency Dental Treatment

Assessment and treatment intended to address severe pain, infection, bleeding or recent dental trauma.

What to expect

The immediate aim is to diagnose the problem and make it safe. Treatment may include pain relief advice, drainage, a temporary repair or extraction; definitive treatment may require another appointment.

NHS 111 can direct you to urgent dental care when you cannot contact a dentist.

Call 999 for life-threatening swelling affecting breathing or heavy bleeding that will not stop.

In England, an urgent NHS course of dental treatment costs £27.90 from 1 April 2026.

Is emergency dental treatment available on the NHS?

Urgent care does not require a practice to accept you for ongoing routine treatment. Telephone before attending.

Before agreeing to treatment

Ask which parts are NHS and which are private, what alternatives are available, and what you will pay. Your dentist should explain material risks and the expected aftercare.

Source: NHS urgent dental guidance. General information only; your dentist’s clinical advice takes priority.

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