Emergency Dentist in London

Call your own dentist first. If they're open they should see you urgently or refer you; even out of hours, many have an answerphone with emergency details.

No dentist, or they can't see you? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk — 24/7. After a brief triage they refer you to an NHS urgent dental centre. You don't need to be registered anywhere. Cost £27.90 (Band 1), or free if you're under 18, pregnant, or on qualifying benefits.

Want to be seen today privately? Several London practices offer same-day emergency slots — £50–£250 for the appointment, treatment on top.

Go to A&E or call 999 only for swelling spreading toward your eye/throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrollable bleeding, or serious facial trauma. A&E cannot fill teeth or treat routine toothache.

Seek help today: severe toothache that painkillers won't touch; a knocked-out adult tooth (act within 30–60 minutes — hold it by the crown, keep it in milk, get to a dentist fast); facial swelling with an abscess, especially with fever; a broken tooth with an exposed nerve; uncontrolled bleeding.

Usually can wait 24–48 hours: lost filling or crown (pharmacy repair kits help temporarily), a painless chip, a broken denture, mild toothache that responds to painkillers.

Not an emergency: routine check-ups, general sensitivity, cosmetic concerns.

Ibuprofen (400mg every 6–8 hours) is usually most effective for dental pain as it reduces inflammation; paracetamol can be taken alongside it. Don't exceed the packet dose, and avoid aspirin (it can increase bleeding). A cold compress against the cheek for 15–20 minutes eases swelling. A warm saltwater rinse helps keep the area clean. Pharmacy temporary-filling kits (around £5–£8) can cover a lost filling until you're seen. Never put aspirin directly on the gum — it causes chemical burns — and don't ignore spreading swelling or trouble swallowing.

London's dental teaching hospitals run urgent clinics, often cheaper than private practices. Hours and eligibility vary — always call before attending. King's College Hospital Dental Institute (Denmark Hill, SE5); UCLH Eastman Dental Hospital (Huntley Street, WC1); Guy's Hospital Dental Department (London Bridge, SE1); Queen Mary's Hospital (Roehampton, SW15).

Emergency treatment is a temporary fix — it relieves pain and stabilises the tooth, but you'll usually need follow-up. If you were seen via NHS 111 you'll need a regular dentist afterwards; see our guide to NHS dentist availability. Common follow-ups: a permanent filling to replace a temporary one, a root canal if the nerve was affected, or a crown on a back tooth.