If you need dental treatment in an emergency

• Call a dentist: some surgeries offer appointments at short notice
• If you do not have a dentist, find one using NHS 111

If you need to see a dentist out of hours

• Call a dentist: their voicemail may advise where to get out-of-hours treatment
• Call NHS 111 to find an out-of-hours dental service near you

Do not contact a GP, as they will not be able to offer emergency or out-of-hours dental care.

If you’re in pain while waiting to see a dentist, take painkillers. NHS 111 can also offer other self-care advice.

How much will I be charged?

An urgent dental treatment will cost £22.70 – see Understanding NHS dental charges.

If you’re entitled to free NHS dental care, you should be able to claim back the cost of any treatment.

Ensure you keep all receipts. For more information, see Find out how to get help with dental costs.

If you’re asked to come back for further treatment, this will be considered to be a separate course of non-urgent treatment.

You’ll have to pay the relevant charge for the new course of treatment.

Ask the dentist what the treatment will cost or whether you can have a treatment plan.

When to go to hospital

Only go to A&E in serious circumstances, such as:

• Severe pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Injuries to the face, mouth, or teeth