Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but you can count on us to help!
If You Have A Dental Emergency - Call Us!
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please call us right away—we’re here to help.
Whether you’re a new or existing patient, our priority is to see you quickly and get you out of pain.
While emergency appointments can be booked online, we recommend calling us directly during working hours (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–4pm). This way, we can better understand your situation and arrange the earliest possible appointment for you.
We’ll always do our very best to see you promptly and provide the care you need.
| EMERGENCY | URGENCY LEVEL | WHAT TO DO |
|---|---|---|
| Toothache (Severe or Persistent) | Urgent (within 24 hours) | Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any food debris. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress on the cheek. Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen) as directed. Contact your dentist promptly for evaluation. |
| Dental Abscess or Swelling | Urgent (within 24 hours) | Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (½ tsp salt in a cup of water) several times. Use a cold compress on the face to ease swelling and pain, and take a pain reliever if needed. Do not apply heat to the area. See a dentist as soon as possible, as infections can spread. If swelling worsens or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to A&E immediately. |
| Chipped or Broken Tooth | Urgent (within 24 hours) | Save any broken pieces if possible. Rinse your mouth (and any pieces) with warm water. If there’s bleeding, bite gently on gauze or a clean cloth until it stops. Apply a cold compress on the cheek to reduce pain and swelling. Contact your dentist for repair as soon as possible. |
| Knocked-Out Adult Tooth | Immediate (emergency) | Handle the tooth by the crown (top) only — do not touch the root. If dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket and bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist by storing it in milk or inside your cheek. Seek emergency dental care immediately (ideally within 30 minutes). |
| Knocked-Out Baby Tooth | Urgent (same day) | Do not reinsert a baby tooth (it could damage the adult tooth developing beneath). Gently rinse the mouth with water. Apply pressure with gauze or a cloth to stop any bleeding. Keep the tooth moist (in milk or saliva) and bring it with you. Have a dentist examine the child to ensure no fragments remain and to assess any other injury. |
| Loose or Dislodged Tooth (Injury) | Immediate (emergency) | If a tooth has been partially pushed out of position or is very loose due to injury, keep it in place. Bite down gently on gauze or a clean cloth to stabilize it. Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Avoid wiggling or putting pressure on the tooth. See a dentist immediately for proper repositioning and stabilization. |
| Lost Filling | Moderate (within a few days) | Rinse your mouth to keep the area clean. You may place a piece of sugar-free gum or temporary dental cement (from a pharmacy) into the cavity as a short-term cover. Avoid chewing on that side. Schedule a dental appointment within a few days to replace the filling. |
| Lost Crown | Moderate (within a few days) | Retrieve the crown and clean it gently. If possible, try to fit it back onto the tooth after coating the inside with dental cement or toothpaste as a temporary adhesive. Do not use super glue. If you cannot reattach it, keep the crown in a container. See your dentist within a few days to permanently re-cement or replace the crown. |
| Broken Braces Wire or Bracket | Moderate (within a few days) | If a wire is poking your cheek or gum, use a pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently bend the sharp end away from soft tissue. Cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax, a small piece of gauze, or sugar-free gum to protect your mouth. Do not cut the wire yourself (to avoid swallowing it). If a bracket is loose but still attached, leave it in place and cover any sharp edges with wax. Contact your orthodontist for repair within a few days. |
| Object Stuck Between Teeth | Moderate (within a few days) | Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Do not use sharp objects like pins or knives, as they can cut your gums or damage teeth. If you cannot dislodge it and it continues to cause pain, contact your dentist for assistance. |
| Cut or Bitten Tongue/Lip | Immediate (if bleeding is heavy; otherwise moderate) | Clean the area gently with water. Use a clean cloth or gauze to apply firm pressure to the bleeding site for about 10–15 minutes. Apply a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to reduce pain and swelling. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or is heavy, seek immediate medical care (go to A&E). |
| Bleeding After Tooth Extraction | Urgent (if prolonged or heavy bleeding) | Place a folded, clean gauze pad (or a damp tea bag) over the empty socket and bite down firmly for 20 minutes without interruption. Keep your head elevated and avoid spitting or rinsing for a few hours. If bleeding continues or is very heavy despite these measures, contact a dentist or go to A&E immediately. |
| Jaw Injury (Possible Fracture) | Immediate (emergency) | If you suspect a broken jaw, stabilize it by gently wrapping a bandage or towel under the chin and over the head to prevent movement. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Do not attempt to realign the jaw yourself. Go to the nearest A&E (emergency department) or call emergency services immediately. |
Price of Emergency Consultation
At Calm Dental, we understand dental emergencies shouldn’t come with extra stress from inflated costs.
Our emergency appointment fees are transparent and straightforward:
£65 for new patients
£50 for existing patients
These fees include your emergency assessment, necessary x-rays or imaging, and any immediate treatments like antibiotics or re-cementing a restoration.
If your situation requires more complex treatment, such as an emergency root canal or repairing a fractured tooth, we’ll clearly discuss any additional costs with you beforehand.
For further details, please visit our pricing page.
Why Choose Calm Dental?
At Calm Dental, we believe your visit should be as comfortable and reassuring as it is effective. That’s why every aspect of your care is handled directly by our experienced dentists, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.
During your check-up, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination and can also perform professional cleaning — all in one visit. This streamlined approach saves you time while maintaining the highest standard of care.
We are committed to honesty and transparency. You’ll receive a clear, detailed assessment of your dental health, supported by high-quality imaging and straightforward explanations—without unnecessary upselling.
At Calm Dental, your comfort, trust, and well-being always come first.
Our Dental Emergency Process
Here’s what happens when you come in for dental emergency.
Your Emergency Dentist In Bermondsey, London
Located near Bermondsey High Street, we are very accessible by Bus, Tube or Train:
- Eighteen-minute walk from London Bridge tube and rail station (National Rail, Jubilee Line, Northern Line, Windrush)
Nineteen-minute walk from Bermondsey station (Jubilee Line)
We are on many bus routes, including the 1, 78, 188 and N1.
We have good disabled access for all our treatments and services, including our well-proportioned bathroom.
We look forward to welcoming you in person very soon!
FAQs
