What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires prompt professional attention to stop ongoing tissue damage, relieve significant pain, or treat active infection. Not every dental concern is an emergency — but understanding which situations require urgent action can help you make the right decision quickly.
Situations that are usually dental emergencies
Call your dentist promptly for: severe toothache or spontaneous pain that is not controlled by standard over-the-counter pain relief; a dental abscess or facial swelling; a tooth that has been knocked out or loosened in an accident; a broken tooth with a sharp edge or exposed nerve; a lost or broken crown or bridge that is causing discomfort; significant bleeding following a dental procedure; or a dental injury in a child.
When to call 999 or attend A&E instead
Some dental problems become medical emergencies. Call 999 or attend A&E if you have: severe swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing; significant facial trauma or a possible broken jaw; uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop; or any symptom you feel is a medical emergency. These situations require hospital care, not a dental appointment.
What is not usually an urgent emergency
Minor chipping of a tooth with no pain, minor sensitivity, or mild gum bleeding when brushing is unlikely to need same-day attention. However, if you are unsure, always call us — we can advise over the phone whether your situation warrants urgent care.
What to do if a tooth is knocked out
Act immediately. Pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root). Rinse gently with milk or saliva — not tap water. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth. If this is not possible, place the tooth in milk and call us at once. Speed is critical for the prognosis of a knocked-out adult tooth.
Calling 110 Total Dentistry for an emergency
Call us on 020 7998 7657. We will ask brief questions about your symptoms to assess urgency and arrange the earliest clinically appropriate appointment. We cannot guarantee same-day availability for every situation, but genuine dental emergencies are prioritised.
About this article
This article is general information. It is not a clinical assessment or medical advice. For dental emergencies, call 110 Total Dentistry on 020 7998 7657. For severe swelling affecting breathing, call 999.
Written and reviewed by Dr Kozhaya Assaker · GDC 176427 · Published August 2026 · ADD NEXT REVIEW DATE
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