Sudden, severe toothache can be frightening, and when the pain hits in the middle of the night or over a weekend, many people wonder whether they should head straight to their local Accident & Emergency department. The short answer is that A&E is not usually the right place for toothache, but there are some situations where a hospital visit genuinely is necessary. This guide explains when to go to A&E, when to call an emergency dentist in Daventry instead, and how to ease the pain while you arrange treatment.
Can you go to A&E with toothache?
You can attend A&E, but for ordinary toothache the staff there are limited in what they can do. Hospital emergency departments are not staffed by dentists, so they cannot perform fillings, root canal treatment or extractions. In most cases they can only offer pain relief and advise you to see a dentist as soon as possible. That means a long wait for a temporary solution, when a dental appointment would treat the actual cause of the pain.
When A&E is the right choice
There are dental situations that are true medical emergencies and should be treated at A&E or by calling 999. Go to hospital if you experience any of the following:
- Facial swelling that is spreading to your eye or neck, or that is affecting your breathing or swallowing
- Bleeding from the mouth that will not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure
- A high temperature, shivering and feeling very unwell alongside a dental problem, which can signal a spreading infection
- Trauma to the face or jaw following an accident, such as a suspected broken jaw
A rapidly spreading dental abscess with facial swelling can become dangerous, so never wait it out if swelling is moving towards your eye or throat.
When to see an emergency dentist instead
For the vast majority of dental problems, an emergency dentist is faster and far more effective than A&E because they can treat the cause on the same day. Book an urgent dental appointment for:
- Severe or throbbing toothache that painkillers are not controlling
- A broken, chipped or knocked-out tooth
- A lost filling or crown that has left a sharp or painful tooth
- An abscess or gum swelling without the emergency warning signs listed above
- Wisdom tooth pain
What A&E can and cannot do for tooth pain
It helps to have realistic expectations. A&E can assess whether your problem is life-threatening, prescribe pain relief, and in some cases start antibiotics for a serious infection. What it cannot do is remove the tooth, drain an abscess through the tooth, place a filling or repair a crown. Because the underlying problem is left untreated, the pain usually returns once any medication wears off. Seeing a dentist promptly avoids that cycle.
How to relieve toothache while you wait
While you arrange to be seen, you can take steps to manage the pain. Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the instructions on the packet. Rinse gently with warm salty water, keep your head propped up when lying down, and avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods that can trigger the nerve. Do not place aspirin directly against the gum, as this can burn the tissue.
Getting seen quickly in Daventry
If you are in or around Daventry and need urgent care, you do not have to sit in an A&E waiting room hoping for painkillers. Emergency dental appointments are available from £65, and same-day slots are often possible. You can see our full emergency dental fees or contact the practice to be seen. Call 01327 577023 for urgent help.
Frequently asked questions
Will A&E remove my tooth?
No. A&E departments are not staffed by dentists and cannot carry out extractions, fillings or other dental treatment. They can only provide pain relief and, if needed, treat a serious infection while you arrange to see a dentist.
Should I go to A&E for a dental abscess?
Only if the swelling is spreading towards your eye or neck, affecting your breathing or swallowing, or you feel very unwell with a fever. Otherwise an emergency dentist can treat the abscess more effectively on the same day.
Is emergency dental treatment expensive?
Emergency dental appointments at our Daventry practice start from £65. Urgent NHS dental treatment, where available, is charged at £27.90 in England. You can view our full fees online.
