“The key thing we want everyone to know is that you can get urgent NHS dental care, wherever you live in south west London,” says local dentist Hannah Cousins.
“If you have a regular dentist, contact your practice first. If you don’t, or you need advice out of hours, 111.nhs.uk is here for you, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. You will be asked a few simple questions and, if needed, be seen in your local area.
“If you’re in severe pain or have other urgent dental issues, don’t delay getting treatment as it may make the problem worse.”
Dental problems that require urgent treatment include:
- Severe toothache – that keeps you awake at night and doesn’t feel better with pain killers.
- If you’ve knocked out a tooth, broken or damaged it – find out what to do immediately if your tooth is knocked out
- If you’ve recently had a tooth taken out and it won’t stop bleeding
- If you have a painful lump or swelling
- If you think you need urgent help with another dental issue.
If you can’t go online, you can access the service by calling 111.
Urgent NHS dental care is free if you’re under 18, under 19 and in full time education, pregnant or on certain benefits. Find out more about who is eligible for free dental treatment.
The key thing we want everyone to know is that you can get urgent NHS dental care, wherever you live in south west London.”
If you need to pay for your dental care, many urgent procedures are carried out as a Band 1 treatment which currently costs £27.50. Read more about which treatments are included and the cost of NHS dentistry.
Don’t go to A&E with a dental issue as they are unlikely to be able to help – always use NHS 111 first.
For dental issues, which aren’t urgent contact your usual dentist or find a dentist near you.