Overview
- People are told to contact their usual dentist first, with NHS 111 via the app, online or by phone as the route if the practice is closed or unreachable.
- Urgent problems include severe mouth pain, significant swelling, bleeding that will not stop, knocked out or broken teeth, infections, abscesses and broken restorations.
- Patients should be offered urgent treatment within 24 hours or within 7 days depending on symptoms, according to NHS guidance.
- A knocked-out adult tooth should be prioritised for emergency dental care within about one hour or as soon as possible.
- Access is available even if you are not registered with a dentist, and pharmacies can advise on pain relief while you wait.