Dental pain and emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and when they do, we’re here to help. At Z Dental, we offer same-day and urgent appointments for patients who are experiencing dental problems that can’t wait. Whether it’s a toothache, broken tooth, swelling, or a lost filling or crown, our team will do everything we can to see you quickly, relieve your discomfort, and get you back on track.
If you’re in pain, experiencing swelling, or have damaged or lost a tooth, it could be a dental emergency. Common signs include: severe toothache, facial swelling, a broken or knocked-out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of infection like a bad taste or fever.
If you’re unsure, call the practice, we’ll assess your symptoms and let you know if you need urgent care.
If it hurts, feels wrong, or won’t go away, don’t wait. We’re here to help.
Severe toothache can be more than just a temporary discomfort, it may be a sign of something serious, such as an infection, abscess, or nerve involvement. If you’re experiencing persistent, throbbing or sharp pain that doesn’t go away, especially if it worsens when lying down or interrupts your sleep, it’s important to act quickly. Other signs to watch for include swelling around the tooth, jaw, or face; pain when biting or chewing; lingering sensitivity to hot or cold; a bad taste or smell in the mouth; or symptoms of infection such as fever or general fatigue.
Call the practice as soon as possible, we’ll assess your symptoms and book an emergency appointment if needed
Rinse your mouth with warm salty water to help ease discomfort and reduce bacteria
Take over-the-counter pain relief, following dosage instructions
Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks that may worsen the pain
Keep your head elevated, even while resting, to reduce pressure and throbbing
Do not apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gum, this can damage soft tissue
Accidents happen, and when they involve your teeth, quick action can make all the difference. A broken or chipped tooth may cause sharp edges, pain when biting, or sensitivity to hot and cold. In more serious cases, you may see visible cracks, bleeding from the gum, or parts of the tooth missing. A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency and requires immediate attention. If treated promptly, it may be possible to save and reattach the tooth, especially in the case of a permanent adult tooth.
Call the practice right away, we’ll guide you and arrange an emergency appointment as soon as possible
For a chipped or broken tooth, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep the area clean
If you have the broken piece, bring it with you to your appointment, stored in a clean container
If a tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root
If the tooth is clean, try to place it back in the socket and gently bite down on a tissue to hold it in place
If you can’t reinsert it, store the tooth in milk or saliva and bring it to the practice immediately
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort
Avoid eating or drinking on that side of your mouth until seen by a dentist
Swelling in the mouth, jaw, or face is often a sign of an underlying infection and should never be ignored. This can happen as a result of a dental abscess, gum infection, or a tooth with deep decay. You may notice the area feels tender or painful to touch, your face looks visibly swollen on one side, or there’s a throbbing ache that spreads to your jaw or ear. Other signs of infection may include a bad taste in your mouth, discharge near a tooth or gum, difficulty opening your mouth fully, and feeling generally unwell or feverish.
Contact the practice as soon as possible, swelling may indicate a serious infection that needs urgent treatment
Do not apply heat to the swollen area, as this may worsen the infection
Take over-the-counter pain relief, following dosage instructions
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salty water to help reduce bacteria (but do not use mouthwash unless advised)
Keep your head elevated, especially while resting, to help reduce swelling
Avoid pressing or poking the swollen area as this can spread the infection
If the swelling is affecting your breathing, swallowing, or vision, seek immediate medical attention or go to A&E
Persistent bleeding in the mouth, whether from the gums, tongue, or after a dental procedure, can be a sign that something isn’t healing properly or that there may be an underlying issue. If the bleeding is heavy, continues for more than 15 minutes, or keeps returning despite applying pressure, it should be treated as a dental emergency. You may also notice swelling, pain, or a metallic taste in the mouth, and in some cases, this can be linked to infection or trauma.
Stay calm and contact the practice straight away, we’ll advise you on what to do and arrange an emergency appointment if needed
Apply firm, constant pressure using a clean gauze or cloth directly to the area for 15–20 minutes
Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully, as this can dislodge clots and prolong bleeding
Sit upright and keep your head elevated, avoid lying flat
Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use mouthwash, as these can interfere with healing
Avoid hot food or drinks until the bleeding has stopped completely
If bleeding continues beyond 30 minutes, becomes heavy, or you feel lightheaded, seek urgent medical attention
An oral abscess is a painful, often serious infection that develops around the root of a tooth or in the gums. It usually forms as a result of untreated decay, gum disease, or trauma to the mouth. Signs of an abscess include intense, throbbing pain, swelling in the gum or face, a visible lump or boil near a tooth, a bad taste in the mouth, or pus draining from the gum. You may also experience fever, difficulty swallowing, or a general feeling of being unwell. Left untreated, an abscess can spread quickly and lead to more serious health problems.
Call the practice immediately, oral abscesses require urgent dental care to drain the infection and relieve pressure
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salty water to help clean the area and soothe discomfort
Take over-the-counter pain relief, following dosage instructions
Avoid pressing or poking the swollen area, as this can worsen the infection or cause it to spread
Keep your head elevated to reduce throbbing and pressure
Do not try to burst the abscess, this can lead to further infection
If you experience severe swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or feel very unwell, seek immediate medical attention
Losing or damaging a filling, crown, or veneer might not always be painful, but it can leave the tooth exposed, sensitive and more vulnerable to further damage or decay. You might notice sharp edges, food getting stuck, increased sensitivity to temperature, or even feel the restoration come loose in your mouth. While it may not seem like an emergency at first, prompt attention is important to protect the tooth and restore comfort.
Contact the practice as soon as possible, we’ll book you in to repair or replace the restoration before further damage occurs
Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with warm salty water, especially after eating
Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you’ve seen the dentist
If you still have the crown, veneer or filling, store it safely and bring it with you to your appointment
Use dental wax (available at most pharmacies) to cover any sharp edges and protect your tongue or cheeks
Take over-the-counter pain relief, following dosage instructions
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