Emergency Dentist in London: Where to Go for Immediate Help

Dental emergencies can strike without warning - whether it's a sudden toothache, a broken crown, or a knocked-out tooth from an accident. In a bustling city like London, knowing where to turn when you need urgent dental care can make all the difference in saving your tooth and easing your pain.

In this blog, we'll cover:

• What counts as a dental emergency
• Where to find emergency dentists in London
• What to expect during your visit
• NHS vs. private emergency dental services
• Tips for managing dental pain before your appointment

What Is a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue is considered a dental emergency. There may be some issues that require urgent attention more than others – these are known as dental emergencies. Let’s define it more clearly. Dental emergencies are critical situations pertaining to the teeth and their associated structures. They mostly associate with a sharp, severe pain that disrupts normal activities. In worst cases, they can also lead to bleeding. Unless treated on time, dental emergencies can result in aggravation of the symptoms, potentially contributing to more complications. Here is a list of some common dental emergencies that you must know:

• Severe toothache that does not resolve with over-the-counter pain medicines
• Knocked-out tooth
• Fractured or cracked tooth (exposing the inner sensitive dental layers)
• Swelling in the face and gums
• Trouble while breathing and swallowing
• Dental abscesses filled with pus (the infection can go deep when left undiagnosed for long)
• Non-stop bleeding after dental surgery
• Lost or broken crown/filling (often associated with pain)

Where to Go for Emergency Dental Care in London?

London is a popular hub for healthcare, including dental care and emergencies. You can have a wide range of options to address your dental emergencies – both on the NHS and the private clinics. Here is a list of places that you can visit depending on your urgency, clinic location and cost factors.  

1. NHS Emergency Dental Services

The National Healthcare Services can provide urgent dental care facilities for individuals suffering from extreme dental pain, infection and trauma. However, not all clinics provide the advantage of walk-in appointments. In that case, you may need to:

• Call the 111 (available 24/7): This is the emergency number that can help you connect with the nearest available dental clinic, after knowing about your symptoms.   
• Use the NHS website: This website can give you a comprehensive list of the available emergency dental clinics
• Contact  the A&E department: If you are suffering from severe swelling, heavy bleeding from the mouth or trauma to the jaw (that affects breathing and vision), the A&E department can be your saviour.  

Cost of NHS Emergency Treatment:

As of 2025, the standard NHS urgent dental care fee is £26.80 (Band 1). This includes every assessment and treatment for pain relief. However, for subsequent follow-ups and additional treatment, it may cost you an extra charge.

 2. Private Emergency Dental Clinics in London

The NHS often delays treatment due to the long waiting times and works within specific hours. Thus, if you need dental care urgently, do not wait. For faster treatments, opt for a private dental clinic located nearby. Here is a list of advantages that private dental clinics provide: 

·       Same-day or next-day appointments

·       Off-hour and midnight services

·       Flexible approach to treatment

·       Immediate pain relief and cosmetic restorative techniques (for cases of chipped front tooth)

Popular Emergency Dentists in London:

Here are some well-rated private practices offering emergency services:

Cost of Private Emergency Dental Treatment:

• Fees range from £80–£150 for an emergency consultation
• Additional charges apply for treatments like extractions, fillings, root canals, etc.
• Some clinics offer finance plans or accept dental insurance

What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

Knowing what happens during an emergency appointment can help reduce anxiety.

Initial Assessment

• The dentist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and how the issue occurred.
• X-rays may be taken to diagnose the problem.

Pain Relief

• You’ll likely receive local anaesthesia or pain-relieving medication if you’re in significant discomfort.

Temporary or Permanent Treatment

• Depending on the issue, the dentist may:

Ø  Extract a severely damaged tooth

Ø  Replace or repair fillings or crowns

Ø  Drain an abscess

Ø  Prescribe antibiotics or painkillers

Ø  Begin a root canal if needed

In some cases, only temporary measures are applied to relieve pain until a full procedure can be booked.

Tips for Managing Dental Pain Before You Get Help

If you can’t get to a dentist right away, here are some ways to manage the situation:

Toothache

• Rinse mouth with warm saltwater
• Take over-the-counter painkillers (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Avoid very hot or cold foods

Knocked-Out Tooth

• Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root)
• Rinse gently with milk or saline — do not scrub
• Try to reinsert into the socket if possible
• Keep in milk or saliva and see a dentist within 1 hour

Lost Filling or Crown

• Cover the area with sugar-free chewing gum or dental cement (available at pharmacies)
• Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth

Abscess or Swelling

• Rinse with warm saltwater several times a day
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Seek urgent care, especially if the swelling spreads

Conclusion

Dental emergencies are stressful, but knowing where to go in London makes it easier to handle. If you're in severe pain, dealing with a broken tooth, or worried about swelling or infection, there are NHS and private services ready to help — many offering same-day or 24-hour support.

Start with NHS 111 if you're unsure, or go directly to a private emergency dentist if you need faster, more flexible treatment. Whatever the situation, don’t delay. The sooner you get seen, the better your chances of saving the tooth — and stopping the pain. If you need urgent dental care, go to emergencydentistinlondon.co.uk.