Top 10 Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care Immediately

Dental issues can sometimes be brushed off as minor inconveniences, but there are symptoms you should never ignore. Some dental problems escalate quickly and may pose serious health risks if not treated right away.

In this guide, we break down the 10 most urgent signs that you need emergency dental care—plus what to do and where to go for emergency dental care in London.

1. Severe Toothache That Doesn’t Go Away

A toothache is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If the pain is sharp, throbbing, or persistent—especially if it's preventing sleep or affecting your ability to eat—it may signal:

• Tooth decay reaching the nerve
• A cracked tooth
• An abscess or infection

These issues won’t resolve without treatment and can worsen rapidly. An emergency dentist can relieve pain and treat the root cause before it leads to complications.

2. Swollen Jaw or Face

Facial swelling often points to an underlying infection—such as a dental abscess—that may be spreading beyond the tooth into surrounding tissues. In some cases, this can develop into cellulitis, a potentially serious infection that can spread to the bloodstream.

Seek emergency dental care immediately, especially if the swelling is accompanied by:

• Fever
• Trouble opening your mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

3. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

Time is of the essence with a knocked-out tooth. If acted upon within 30–60 minutes, a dentist may be able to re-implant it successfully.

What to do:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root
• Rinse gently in saline or milk (don’t scrub)
• Try placing it back in the socket if possible
• Keep it moist and get to a dentist immediately

4. Uncontrolled Bleeding from the Mouth

Bleeding gums after brushing may not be an emergency—but continuous, heavy bleeding following trauma, surgery, or even spontaneously can be.

If bleeding hasn’t stopped after applying pressure for 15 minutes, or is accompanied by dizziness or weakness, seek immediate dental or A&E care.

5. Loose or Wobbly Adult Tooth

Adult teeth should never feel mobile. Movement may indicate:

• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
• Traumatic injury
• Infection weakening the bone support

The sooner you’re seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth through stabilisation or splinting.

6. Cracked, Broken, or Chipped Tooth (With Pain)

Not all cracks are emergencies—but if the fracture exposes the nerve or causes significant discomfort, it definitely is.

Pain when biting or sensitivity to hot/cold may indicate the inner pulp is affected, which can lead to infection. Prompt treatment can prevent a root canal or extraction.

7. Dental Abscess or Pus Around the Tooth or Gums

Abscesses are bacterial infections forming pus pockets in the gums or root of a tooth. Symptoms may include:

• Constant throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bad breath or foul taste
• Fever or general unwell feeling

If left untreated, abscesses can spread to other parts of the body. Emergency drainage and antibiotics are often needed urgently.

8. Lost Crown or Filling (With Pain or Sensitivity)

A missing filling or crown may not seem urgent—until you realise the exposed area is now highly sensitive to air, temperature, or pressure.

Open cavities allow bacteria to invade the tooth’s inner structure. Seeing an emergency dentist can restore the tooth and prevent further decay or infection.

9. Sudden Sensitivity or Nerve Pain

If you suddenly find yourself wincing from a sip of tea or biting into cold food, you may be experiencing nerve exposure due to:

• A cracked tooth
• Gum recession
• Deep decay

If this comes on suddenly and worsens, it’s a red flag worth urgent dental assessment.

10. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing

If a dental issue starts affecting your ability to swallow or breathe, it's a medical emergency. It could indicate:

• A deep oral infection spreading toward the throat
• Swelling from an abscess pressing on the airway

Go directly to A&E if your airway is compromised, and contact an emergency dentist for urgent follow-up care.

What to Do While You Wait for an Emergency Appointment

• Pain relief: Use paracetamol or ibuprofen (never place directly on the gums).
• Cold compress: Helps reduce swelling.
• Keep teeth moist: If one is knocked out.
• Avoid aggravating the area: Don’t chew or poke at it.

These steps don’t replace professional care but can offer temporary relief until you see a dentist.

How to Find Reliable Emergency Dental Care in London

When searching for urgent dental help, look for clinics that offer:

• Same-day appointments
• CQC-registered professionals
• Out-of-hours service
• Clear pricing and treatment plans

Private practices offering emergency dental care in London often provide faster access, sedation options, and continuity of care post-treatment.

Conclusion – Don’t Wait: Get Emergency Dental Care in London Today

Ignoring dental emergencies can lead to long-term complications, severe pain, or even hospitalisation. If you’re experiencing any of the 10 signs listed above, don’t delay.

Act quickly—seek emergency dental care in London from a trusted, regulated private clinic. Many offer same-day relief, flexible hours, and treatment that restores comfort and peace of mind.