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In severe pain, or have facial swelling?

This could be a serious infection. Get help now.

📞 Call NHS 111Call 999

Find an Emergency Dentist Near You

Search NHS urgent dental care centres by postcode, or follow the steps below to get seen as fast as possible.

Three ways to get seen today

Follow these in order — the first option that works is your fastest route.

Option 1 · Fastest

Call NHS 111

Available 24/7. They assess your situation and book you into an NHS urgent dental centre — often same day. You don't need to be registered with a dentist.

📞 Call 111 now

Option 2

Walk-in urgent care centre

NHS urgent dental centres (UDCs) accept patients without a referral in many areas. Search by postcode below or ask NHS 111 for your nearest one.

Find centres near me ↓

Option 3 · Last resort

Private emergency dentist

Most private practices offer same-day emergency slots. Expect to pay £50–£150 for an emergency assessment and immediate treatment. More for complex work.

Search private dentists →

Managing pain while you wait

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Ibuprofen + paracetamol together (at standard doses) is more effective for dental pain than either alone. Avoid ibuprofen if pregnant or you have a stomach condition.

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Cold compress held against the cheek reduces swelling. Do not apply heat to an abscess.

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Dental pain gel (Orajel, Bonjela) can numb the area short-term. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum — it causes burns.

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Go to A&E if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, severe facial swelling, or a high fever. These are signs of a spreading infection.

NHS Urgent Dental Care Centres

These practices are flagged as NHS urgent dental care centres.

Useful guides

→How to find an emergency dentist→Dental abscess: what to do→Broken tooth: is it an emergency?→NHS dental charges explained