What to Do Before You Google “Emergency Dentist Near Me”

What to Do Before You Google “Emergency Dentist Near Me”

Post by : Dr. James Connan BChD GDC No. 230670 | 8 January 2026

When tooth pain strikes, most people jump straight to their phone and type “emergency dentist near me.” That works, but you’ll get help faster if you spend the first 10 minutes getting your facts in order. Two things happen when you prep first: reception can triage you accurately (so you get the right slot with the right clinician) and you avoid the back-and-forth that delays care.

This guide shows you exactly what to do before you search or call, how to rule out 999/NHS 111, what to write down, safe steps you can take at home and the smartest way to contact a practice so you’re seen quickly and safely.

First, Rule Out 999 and NHS 111

Start with safety. Some dental problems are medical emergencies.

• Call 999 now if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or serious facial trauma.
• If our practice is closed and you have urgent pain, swelling or trauma, call NHS 111 for advice and referral.

If none of the above apply, move to the quick pre-search triage below.

The 10-Minute Pre-Search Triage (Write This Down)

Grab a note on your phone. Clear, concise details help the team prioritise you and plan the right appointment length.

• Pain score & location: Write a 0–10 pain score and where it is (upper/lower, left/right; which tooth, if known).
• Red flags: Note swelling, trauma, bleeding, or fever (Yes/No for each).
• Timeline & triggers: When did it start? What worsens it (hot/cold, biting, lying down)? What helps?
• Medications & allergies: Include anything you take regularly; add pregnancy/breastfeeding if relevant.
• Recent dental work: Mention fillings, crowns, root canal, or extractions in that area.
• Photos & fragments: Take a clear photo and save any pieces/crowns in a clean container.

This sheet becomes your script for the form or phone call, no panicked guessing required.

At-Home Care for the Next Hour (Safe, Simple, Temporary)

While you organise an emergency appointment, you can often reduce discomfort with basic measures:

• Take paracetamol/ibuprofen if suitable and follow the packet instructions.
• Use a cold compress on the cheek and warm saltwater rinses to soothe the area.
• Keep your head elevated when resting to ease throbbing.
• Do not place aspirin on your gums and don’t apply heat to a swelling. If symptoms worsen (fever, spreading swelling), escalate to NHS 111 or 999 as appropriate.

Make Contact the Right Way (So You Get the Right Slot)

Now you’re ready to reach out without backtracking.

Online: Use the Get in Touch form and select the Emergency Treatment option, and select your preferred time slot.

Over the Phone: Lead with the headline facts, pain score, swelling/trauma/bleeding (Y/N), when it started, meds/allergies and recent dental work. Then ask for the earliest emergency examination. If you can, mention whether X-rays are likely (sharp pain on biting, deep decay, or swelling often requires them).

What to Expect at the Emergency Exam

An emergency appointment aims to diagnose fast, relieve pain and stabilise the problem so you can function. You can expect:

1. A focused history using the details you prepared.
2. A targeted examination and, if needed, small X-rays to find the cause.
3. A temporary fix the same day, where possible, examples include a protective dressing, smoothing a sharp edge, re-cementing a crown, or draining an infection and prescribing medication when clinically indicated.
4. A clear plan for definitive treatment (such as a permanent filling, root canal, or extraction) and the likely timeline/costs.

You should leave more comfortable, with the next steps booked or outlined.

Costs at Surbiton Dental: Knowing the essentials

To keep it simple at Surbiton Dental, you’ll pay for the Emergency Examination to diagnose and get you comfortable and, if needed, any X-rays taken at that visit. The definitive treatment (for example, a permanent filling, root canal or extraction) is quoted separately and may be scheduled as a follow-up.

• Emergency Examination: £100 for non-registered patients (£50 for members)
• Small X-rays: £20 ( included for members)
• Panoral X-ray (OPG): £50 (£48 for members)

For full, current pricing on all our procedures, see Surbiton Dental’s Fees.

Bring This Small Checklist to Your Appointment

Arrive prepared so the team can act quickly. Bring your note sheet from the 10-minute triage, a short list of medications and allergies and any fragments or a loose crown in a clean container. If you took photos, keep them on your phone.

Add any access needs (mobility support, interpreter, dental anxiety) to your booking notes so the team can plan. Save your appointment confirmation, the practice address and sort parking or transport before you set off, one less thing to worry about.

• Note sheet (pain score, symptoms, timeline).
• Medications/allergies list.
• Tooth fragments or crown (if relevant).
• Photos on your phone.
• Access notes (mobility, interpreter, anxiety).
• Confirmation, address and parking/transport plan.

After the Emergency, How to Avoid a Repeat

The emergency visit is there to diagnose and calm the problem. Often, you’ll need a follow-up to finish the job (for example, a permanent filling, root canal, or extraction). Pain should start easing within 24–48 hours; if it gets worse or new swelling appears, contact the practice.

If you’re given antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed and finish the course. Once you’re comfortable, book a routine exam and hygiene so small issues are caught before they become emergencies again.

In Conclusion

Preparing before you Google saves you time and pain. Ten minutes spent noting your symptoms, pain score and meds gives the practice what they need to triage you fast and book the right slot first time. Use simple, safe steps at home, contact the practice with clear facts and expect the emergency exam to diagnose, relieve pain and set your next step.

After that, follow through with the definitive treatment and book your routine exam and hygiene to stop the problem from returning.

Need help now? Contact our team at Surbiton Dental and ask for an emergency examination, or, if it’s late or your symptoms are severe, call NHS 111 (999 for life-threatening issues).

FAQ