Who should you contact?
If you have a dentist, call them first, including out of hours — many practices have an answerphone message that explains what to do. If you cannot reach a dentist, call NHS 111, or use 111 online. They can advise you and, where appropriate, help you get urgent dental care.
Urgent NHS dental treatment in England is charged at the Band 1 rate of £27.90 from 1 April 2026, if you are not exempt, even if it takes more than one appointment to finish.
When is it an emergency for 999 or A&E?
NHS guidance is that A&E departments are not for routine dental problems such as toothache. Call 999 or go to A&E if there is a life-threatening problem, for example severe swelling that is affecting your breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding that you cannot stop, or a serious injury to the face. If you are unsure, NHS 111 can help you decide.
The official page is How to get emergency NHS dental treatment, opened when this guide was checked on 11 November 2026.
Information only, not medical advice. If you are in pain or worried about a dental problem, contact a dentist, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. Dentist Atlas is independent and is not part of, or endorsed by, the NHS.