If you are in severe dental pain, have facial swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or a knocked-out adult tooth, you need to be seen today. In London the two fastest routes are NHS 111, which can assess you and arrange urgent NHS dental care including out of hours, or a private dentist offering same-day emergency appointments. This guide covers what counts as a real emergency, what to do in the next few minutes, where to get seen across London, and what it costs.
When to call 999 or go to A&E
Most dental problems are not life-threatening, but a few are. Go to A&E or call 999 now if you have:
- Facial swelling that is spreading towards your eye or down your neck
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling that is affecting your vision or your airway
- Bleeding that will not stop after a tooth extraction
- A serious facial injury with a possible broken jaw
A spreading dental infection is a medical emergency, not just a dental one. Do not wait for a dentist if any of the above apply.
Is it a dental emergency?
If you are not in the situations above, this is how urgent dental problems usually sort out.
See an emergency dentist today for: severe toothache that painkillers are not controlling, a dental abscess (a painful, throbbing swelling), a knocked-out or badly broken adult tooth, or heavy bleeding after an extraction.
It can usually wait a day or two for: a lost filling or crown that is not painful, a chipped tooth with no pain, or a broken denture. Book an appointment soon, but you do not need out-of-hours care.
What to do right now
For step-by-step first aid on specific injuries, see our companion guide on what to do in a dental emergency. The essentials:
Knocked-out adult tooth. This is time-critical, so act within the hour. Hold the tooth by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or saline, not tap water, and do not scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth. If you cannot, keep it in milk or hold it inside your cheek and get to a dentist straight away. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back.
Severe toothache. Take painkillers as directed on the packet (paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken together if it is safe for you to do so). Keep your head up, even when sleeping, and avoid very hot or cold food. Do not hold aspirin against the gum, as it can burn the tissue. Painkillers manage the pain but not the cause, so still see a dentist.
Swelling or a dental abscess. An abscess will not clear on its own and can spread, so it needs urgent dental treatment. If the swelling spreads to your eye or neck, you feel feverish or unwell, or you struggle to swallow, treat it as an A&E emergency.
Broken or chipped tooth. Keep any pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and cover a sharp edge with dental wax from a pharmacy. See a dentist soon.
Lost filling or crown. Keep the crown if you have it. Pharmacy dental cement can hold a crown back in place temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side and book to have it refitted.
Where to get emergency dental care in London
Urgent NHS dental care: call 111
You do not need to be registered with a dentist, and you do not need to be a regular NHS patient. NHS 111 will assess your symptoms and can refer you to an urgent dental service, including evenings and weekends. Urgent NHS treatment is charged as a single NHS Band 1 course (£27.90 in 2026/27), and it is free if you qualify for free NHS dental care. You can also see a dentist without being registered.
Private and out-of-hours dentists
Many London practices keep same-day emergency slots and some open evenings and weekends. You will usually be seen faster than through the NHS route, and you pay privately. This is often the quickest option for a knocked-out tooth or an abscess outside normal hours.
Find an emergency dentist near you
Browse emergency dentists across the city on our emergency dentist in London hub, or go straight to your part of the city: North, South, East or West London. You can also find your borough on the map on our homepage. Every practice page lists opening hours, a phone number and directions, so you can call the nearest one straight away.
How much does an emergency dentist cost in London?
- Urgent NHS care: one Band 1 charge of £27.90, or free if you are exempt. The same charge covers the urgent course of treatment, however many things are done.
- Private emergency appointment: typically £80 to £250 for an assessment and immediate pain relief, depending on the practice and the time. Evening, weekend and bank-holiday appointments sit at the higher end.
- Treatment on top: if you need a procedure there and then, expect private costs in the usual ranges, for example an extraction at roughly £150 to £300 or root canal from about £400. See our full guide to dentist costs in London for treatment-by-treatment prices.
Always ask for the price before treatment starts, and request a written estimate for anything beyond immediate pain relief.
How to avoid the next emergency
- Keep up regular check-ups. A £27.90 NHS check-up catches small problems long before they become a £750 root canal. If you do not have a dentist, here is how to find an NHS dentist in London accepting new patients.
- Do not ignore mild, recurring toothache. It rarely fixes itself and usually gets more expensive the longer it is left.
- Ask your dentist what to do out of hours, so you already know your options before you need them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an emergency dentist on the NHS?
Yes. Call NHS 111 and they can refer you to an urgent NHS dental service, including out of hours. You do not need to be registered with a dentist. Urgent treatment is charged as a single NHS Band 1 course (£27.90), or it is free if you are exempt.
How much does an emergency dentist cost in London?
Urgent NHS care is £27.90. A private emergency appointment is typically £80 to £250 for assessment and pain relief, with any treatment charged on top. Evening and weekend appointments cost more.
Can I see an emergency dentist without being registered?
Yes. Both NHS urgent care (via 111) and private emergency dentists will see you whether or not you are a registered patient.
What is the difference between an urgent and an emergency dental problem?
An emergency is potentially serious or time-critical, such as a knocked-out tooth, a spreading infection or uncontrolled bleeding, and needs care today. An urgent problem, such as a lost crown that is not painful, should be seen soon but can usually wait for a normal appointment.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general information, not medical or dental advice. If you are in severe pain, have spreading facial swelling, or have difficulty breathing or swallowing, contact NHS 111 or call 999. For treatment decisions, see a GDC-registered dentist.
Cost disclaimer: All prices are indicative ranges for London in 2026 based on dentist-london.com directory data and published NHS charges. Individual practice prices vary. Always request a written estimate before treatment.