Out of Hours Dental Emergencies
The practice can’t be open 24 hours a day — but dental pain doesn’t stop when our doors close. If something urgent happens in the evening, overnight, at the weekend or on a bank holiday, here’s how to get help.
📞 Call NHS 111
Dial 111 from any phone — it’s free. Ask for “urgent dental help”. The 111 operator will triage your situation and, where needed, arrange an urgent dental appointment with the regional out-of-hours service.
Go to A&E (or call 999) if you also have any of:
- Swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- A fever alongside significant facial swelling
- Facial injuries from an accident, fall or assault
🚨 When to Go Straight to A&E
Go to A&E (or call 999) if you experience:
- Swelling that’s closing your eye, spreading down your neck, or making it difficult to breathe or swallow
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- A fever alongside significant facial swelling
- Facial injuries from an accident, fall or assault
These are medical emergencies and need immediate hospital care — not just a dentist.
💬 What to Do While You Wait for Help
- Pain: take ibuprofen and paracetamol together (following package instructions) — they’re often more effective than either one alone
- Swelling: sit upright rather than lying flat; a cold compress on the outside of the cheek can help
- Bleeding: bite firmly on a clean, damp gauze or tea towel for 15–20 minutes without peeking
- Knocked-out tooth: time is critical — see the Daytime Emergencies page for what to do
🕗 When the Practice Reopens
If your out-of-hours contact manages you through the night, book in with us as soon as we reopen — most urgent issues still need proper dental follow-up within a few days.
Our standard opening times are on the Contact page.