November 07

Can You Call 999 for Tooth Pain?

Tooth pain can be one of the most uncomfortable experiences, leaving you desperate for relief. It’s natural to wonder if you can call 999 for tooth pain, but the answer is usually no.

Emergency services are reserved for life-threatening situations, and while tooth pain is a dreadful experience, it’s rarely considered an immediate medical emergency. That said, understanding your options for emergency dental care can make all the difference in getting the right treatment when you need it most.

When Is Tooth Pain a Medical Emergency?

A hospital’s A&E department is designed to handle emergencies that threaten your overall health or life, such as severe injuries or medical crises, which is why it’s not a good idea to call 999 for tooth pain. For dental issues, they will only see you if your symptoms have escalated to something more serious, such as:

Facial Swelling: This could indicate a spreading infection, which might affect your ability to breathe or swallow.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: These are signs of a potentially dangerous situation requiring urgent medical attention.
Signs of Sepsis: If a dental infection spreads into your bloodstream, it can cause fever, confusion, and extreme fatigue—symptoms that require immediate care.

Unfortunately, excruciating tooth pain alone may not guarantee treatment in A&E. Without symptoms affecting other parts of your body, the hospital staff may advise you to visit a dentist instead. See what the NHS says here.

Emergency Dentistry: The Help You Actually Need

For most dental issues, the solution isn’t at A&E—it’s with an emergency dentist. That’s where our clinic steps in, offering true 24/7 emergency dental treatments designed to provide immediate relief and professional treatment for a range of dental problems. Here’s why we’re a better option for your tooth pain:

1. First Appointment Treatment

Unlike some places where your first visit is only a consultation, our clinic guarantees active treatment during your first appointment. Whether you need a tooth repaired, an infection treated, or pain managed, we aim to resolve your issue immediately, so you don’t leave still in discomfort. No unnecessary delays or return trips.

2. True 24/7 Service

Tooth pain doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. Our clinic is one of the few in London offering true 24/7 dental care, meaning you can get treatment any time—day or night. Whether your toothache strikes at 2 PM or 2 AM, we’re here to help.

3. Specialists in Emergency Dentistry

At our clinic, you’re not just treated by emergency dentists who focus on extractions. We work with a team of dental specialists, including:

Oral Surgeons: Experts in complex procedures like extractions of impacted teeth and treating facial injuries.
Orthodontists: Specialists in correcting alignment issues, even in emergency cases, such as trauma affecting the position of teeth.
Prosthodontists: Professionals who focus on restoring and replacing teeth, ensuring you leave with a healthy, functional smile.
Endodontists: Experts in saving teeth through root canal treatments, addressing infections or injuries deep within the tooth.

This means that no matter your dental issue, you’ll receive specialised care tailored to your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.

4. Unmatched Experience in Dental Trauma

Our principal dentist, Dr. Boulis, has recently completed his 1,000th treatment for a knocked-out tooth, making him one of the most experienced specialists in dental trauma in London. Whether it’s a sports injury, an accident, or any other dental emergency, his expertise ensures your case is in the best hands.

Additionally, our team includes Professor Francesco Mannocci, the Head of Endodontics at King’s College London, who is an internationally recognised authority in saving teeth through root canal therapy. His involvement guarantees world-class care for even the most complex cases.

What Can Emergency Dentists Treat?

Don’t call 999 for tooth pain. Instead, give us a call. We can handle a wide range of dental issues, including:

Severe Tooth Pain: Identifying and treating the cause of the pain, such as decay, infection, or injury.
Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Restoring the tooth’s function and appearance with composite bonding or crowns.
Knocked-Out Teeth: Replanting and stabilising the tooth if you seek treatment quickly enough.
Abscesses and Infections: Draining abscesses and prescribing antibiotics to prevent further complications.
Lost Fillings or Crowns: Repairing or replacing dental restorations to protect the tooth.

Our team’s expertise goes beyond just fixing dental issues. We ensure that your treatment is designed to complement your overall health, addressing any underlying factors that may contribute to recurring problems.

Why Choose Us for Your Emergency Dentist Appointment?

When it comes to emergency dentistry, not all clinics are created equal. Here’s why we stand out:

Comprehensive Care: From simple repairs to complex trauma cases, our specialists have the skills and experience to handle it all.
Immediate Relief: We focus on solving your dental issue in your first visit, so you don’t have to endure prolonged discomfort.
True Expertise: With specialists like Dr. Boulis and Professor Mannocci on our team, you’ll receive top-tier care from leading experts in the field.
24/7 Availability: We’re always open, ensuring you never have to wait for treatment when you’re in pain.
Walk-in Emergency Dental Appointment: We’re proud to be able to offer walk-in emergency dental services to Londoners and visitors of one of the greatest cities in the world.

When to Call 999 Instead

Once again, don’t call 999 for tooth pain. Here are the situations in which you should call 999 or visit A&E. These include:

Severe Swelling: If swelling affects your ability to breathe or swallow.
Uncontrolled Bleeding: Particularly after a tooth extraction or trauma.
High Fever and Chills: Signs of a spreading infection that could lead to sepsis.

These symptoms indicate a life-threatening condition, and immediate medical attention is essential.

Take the Right Action for Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can be distressing, but knowing where to turn makes all the difference. While calling 999 for tooth pain is usually not the answer, seeking professional care from a dedicated emergency dental clinic ensures you get the treatment you need when you need it most.

Our team combines extensive experience, 24/7 availability, and specialised care to resolve your dental issues and help you move past the pain. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait – contact us now for immediate relief and expert treatment.