Dental problems rarely arrive at a convenient time. If you are dealing with tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, swelling or a broken restoration, prompt care can ease discomfort and help protect your long-term dental health. Veritas Dental Care provides emergency dental appointments at 40 Harley Street, London, W1G 9PP, with same-day care offered where availability allows.
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem that needs prompt attention to relieve pain, control bleeding, treat infection or save a tooth. Common examples include:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- A knocked-out, loose or displaced tooth
- A cracked, chipped or broken tooth
- A lost filling, crown or veneer
- Swelling in the mouth, face or jaw
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Injury to the teeth, gums or soft tissues
If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, contact the practice and our team can advise you.
Same-Day Emergency Appointments for Urgent Situations
Know what to do in common dental emergencies and how we can help.
I have a severe toothache; what should I do?
Toothache can range from mild sensitivity to intense, throbbing pain. As a first step, rinse gently with warm salted water and keep the area clean. If you develop a severe toothache, take over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to manage the discomfort temporarily, then call us to arrange a same-day appointment so the underlying cause can be treated. A toothache that lasts more than a day or two, or that comes with swelling or a fever, should be assessed by a dentist, as it may point to infection or decay that needs treatment.
My tooth has been knocked out. Can it be saved?
An adult tooth that has been knocked out is time-sensitive, and acting quickly gives the best chance of saving it. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root, and avoid touching or scrubbing the root surface. If you can, gently reposition the tooth in its socket and bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If that is not possible, store the tooth in milk — not water — and bring it with you. Contact us as soon as you can, ideally within the hour. A baby tooth that has been knocked out should not be put back in, but it is still worth seeking advice.
I’ve chipped, cracked or broken a tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any pieces of the tooth if you can find them. A cold compress held against the cheek can help reduce swelling. Try to avoid chewing on the affected side until you have been seen. Even when a chipped tooth is not painful, it is sensible to have it checked, as cracks can worsen over time.
I’ve lost a filling or crown
Keep the crown safe if you still have it, as it can sometimes be re-fitted. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and keep the area clean. A lost filling or crown is not usually an emergency in the way that severe pain or trauma is, but it should be attended to promptly to prevent further damage or sensitivity.
I think I have a dental abscess
A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection, and it needs prompt treatment. Signs can include throbbing pain, swelling of the gum or face, a bad taste in the mouth and, sometimes, a raised temperature. A dental abscess requires prompt attention through the emergency appointment process, where an X-ray helps the dentist confirm the infection’s location and extent before draining it. If swelling spreads towards your eye or neck, or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek urgent medical care straight away.
When should I go to A&E instead of a dentist?
Most dental problems are best treated by a dentist, but some situations need emergency medical attention. Go to your nearest A&E department, or call 999, if you have swelling that is affecting your breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to the face or jaw. For dental pain, infection and broken teeth, a dental appointment is usually the right first step.
Can I get a same-day emergency appointment on Harley Street?
We aim to see patients in discomfort as promptly as possible, and same-day appointments are offered subject to availability. You do not need to be a registered patient to be seen. When you contact us, please describe your symptoms so our team can gauge how urgently you need to be seen and prepare for your visit.
What happens during an emergency appointment?
During your emergency appointment, the dentist will likely take an X-ray to see beneath the gum line and identify issues such as root infections, hidden fractures, or impacted teeth that are not visible during a visual examination. The focus of an emergency visit is to relieve pain and address the immediate issue. Your dentist will then explain what has been found and discuss any further treatment you may need, so that you can decide how you would like to proceed.
Book An Emergency Appointment
Veritas Dental Care is located at 40 Harley Street, London, W1G 9PP. The practice is within walking distance of Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Great Portland Street and Regent’s Park Underground stations, with parking nearby at Harley Street Masterpark and Portland Place NCP. To arrange an emergency appointment, please call us on 020 3457 1104 or click here to book an appointment.