Emergency dental appointment
Same-day or next-day care for pain, swelling, a broken tooth, a lost filling or a knocked-out tooth.
How long
20–40 minutes
How long it lasts
Immediate relief, follow-up often needed
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic if treatment is needed
What's involved
An emergency appointment is about getting you out of pain and stabilising the problem — the definitive repair often happens at a second visit.
Common emergencies include toothache that keeps you awake, facial swelling, a cracked or knocked-out tooth, a lost crown or filling, and bleeding that won't stop.
If you have facial swelling spreading towards your eye or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, treat it as urgent medical care — call 111 or go to A&E.
Common questions
- Can I be seen today?
- Many practices hold back emergency slots each morning. Listings on SmileQuick show the soonest availability.
- What should I do with a knocked-out adult tooth?
- Hold it by the crown, not the root, put it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk — and get seen within the hour.
- Do I need to be a registered patient?
- Not usually. Most private practices will see new patients for emergencies.