The National Health Service has issued an urgent reminder to people across the UK suffering from dental problems, confirming that urgent dental appointments are available for those who need them.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
According to official NHS guidance, you may be eligible for an urgent appointment if you are experiencing specific symptoms that require prompt attention. The health service has outlined a clear list of conditions that could warrant an emergency consultation.
You should seek an urgent dental appointment if you have:
- Severe tooth or mouth pain that disrupts your sleep or daily life and is not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Swelling, a lump, or a patch inside your mouth that is increasing in size or not healing.
- A knocked-out tooth or any other significant injury to your teeth.
- Severe pain or bleeding following a recent tooth extraction.
- A broken or loose dental restoration, such as a filling, crown, denture, bridge, or veneer.
- Persistent tooth or mouth pain that is managed by painkillers but does not subside.
How to Access Urgent NHS Dental Care
For anyone uncertain if their situation constitutes an emergency, the NHS advises calling NHS 111 for immediate guidance and assessment. The service is available 24/7 to help direct patients to the most appropriate care.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, patients can expect to receive treatment within different timeframes. In the most critical cases, care may be provided within one hour. For other urgent issues, treatment should be available within 24 hours or up to seven days.
When to Go to A&E or Call 999
The NHS stresses that some situations are too severe for a standard dental practice and require immediate hospital attention. You should call 999 or go directly to your nearest A&E department if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding from the mouth that will not stop.
- A head or facial injury that has caused loss of consciousness, vomiting, or double vision.
- Serious injuries to the jaw or face.
- Severe swelling of the mouth, lip, neck, or throat that is making it difficult to breathe or open your eyes.
The NHS UK account on X (formerly Twitter) recently posted a public message, stating: "Think you need urgent dental care? Urgent dental appointments are now available. Find out how to get the help you need." This forms part of a wider effort to ensure the public is aware of the services available to them.
