When you need emergency dental care

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, evenings, weekends or when your regular dentist is unavailable.

Common urgent issues include:

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Severe toothache

Pain that doesn’t settle with medication.

Swelling or infection

Gum or facial swelling that needs urgent attention.

Broken tooth

Sharp edges or exposed nerves.

Lost filling or crown

Causing pain or sensitivity.

Trauma

Accidents, sports injuries or cracked teeth.

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These situations often require same‑day support.

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Your emergency dental options when your dentist is closed

1. NHS 111 (England)

If you cannot contact your regular dentist, NHS 111 can:

• assess your symptoms
• advise whether you need urgent treatment
• direct you to an out‑of‑hours dental service
• help you find an emergency dentist in your area

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This applies across England, including Redcar & Cleveland and other regions.

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2. NHS urgent dental treatment

Urgent NHS dental care is available when:

• you have severe pain
• you have swelling or infection
• you have trauma
• you cannot access your usual dentist

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Urgent treatment focuses on relieving pain and stabilising the issue.

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3. Out‑of‑hours emergency dentists

Some NHS and private practices offer:

• evening appointments
• weekend appointments
• emergency slots for urgent cases

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Availability varies by region.

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4. Virtual emergency dental care (Toothfairy)

When you need fast help and cannot reach a dentist in person, Toothfairy provides:

• 24/7 access to UK‑licensed dentists
• photo assessments
• instant prescriptions when appropriate
• guidance for swelling, infection, trauma or severe pain
• support until you can reach an in‑person dentist

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This is ideal when your dentist is closed or you cannot travel.

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NHS emergency dental pathways explained

NHS 111 urgent dental care

Call 111 if:

• your dentist is closed
• you cannot find an emergency appointment
• you have severe pain or swelling
• you need urgent dental advice

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111 will direct you to the nearest available service.

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NHS emergency dentist (England)

Emergency dentists provide:

• pain relief
• temporary fillings
• antibiotics when appropriate
• advice on next steps

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NHS out‑of‑hours dental treatment

Available evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

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NHS emergency dentist in Redcar & Cleveland

Local urgent dental services are accessed through:

• NHS 111
• regional urgent dental centres
• out‑of‑hours providers

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Emergency dental problems vs solutions

How Toothfairy supports emergency dental care

24/7 dentist access

Speak to a UK‑licensed dentist anytime.

Instant prescriptions (when appropriate)

For infections, swelling or severe pain.

Photo assessments

Upload photos for fast diagnosis.

Guidance until you reach an in‑person dentist

Safe, professional advice.

Support when your dentist is closed

Evenings, weekends, holidays — Toothfairy is available.

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Your emergency dental questions answered

Can Toothfairy help if my dentist is closed?

Yes — dentists are available 24/7.

Can I get antibiotics?

Yes, when clinically appropriate.

Can Toothfairy help with swelling?

Yes — swelling often needs urgent assessment.

Should I call 111?

Yes — for NHS urgent dental pathways.

Can I get an emergency appointment?

111 can direct you to the nearest available service.