Best Emergency Dentists in London

Severe toothache, facial swelling, a broken tooth or a lost crown can become difficult to manage when ordinary dental practices are closed. London has several private clinics advertising late-night or 24-hour emergency care, but the way those services operate differs. Some keep a clinic continuously staffed, while others ask an on-call dentist to attend after a telephone assessment.

Calling ahead is therefore essential. “Open 24 hours” does not necessarily mean that patients can arrive without notice, receive every procedure immediately or pay the same fee at 2am as they would during the day.

The four services below cover central, west, north and north-west London and operate through different out-of-hours models. Some advertise round-the-clock appointments from an established practice, while others arrange attendance by an on-call dentist after telephone triage.

The most appropriate service is usually the one that can assess the problem safely within a realistic timeframe, explains the consultation and treatment charges clearly and has the equipment and clinician needed for the likely procedure. A confirmed appointment matters more than a general “24-hour” label.

When is a dental problem an emergency?

Seek urgent dental advice for:

• Severe or persistent dental pain
• Facial or gum swelling
• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• A broken tooth causing pain or sharp edges
• Uncontrolled bleeding after dental treatment or trauma
• A dental abscess
• A lost temporary crown during active treatment
• Trauma affecting the teeth, jaw or mouth
• A loose implant bridge or restoration affecting eating
• Pain accompanied by fever or feeling systemically unwell

A lost filling or crown without pain may still need prompt attention, but it is not always a middle-of-the-night emergency. A dentist can advise whether temporary precautions are reasonable until normal hours.

When to go to hospital instead

Call 999 or attend an emergency department for:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rapidly spreading swelling affecting the neck, eye or airway
• Severe facial trauma
• Uncontrolled heavy bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Suspected jaw fracture
• A serious allergic reaction

Hospital emergency departments do not normally provide routine dental fillings, crowns or root-canal treatment. They are appropriate when the problem threatens general health, breathing or safety.

For urgent dental help when a dentist cannot be reached, contact NHS 111. The service can direct patients to local urgent dental arrangements where available.

How much does an emergency dentist cost in London?

From 1 April 2026, the NHS charge for urgent or unscheduled dental treatment in England is £27.90, unless the patient qualifies for free NHS dental care or help with costs. Access depends on local availability and clinical need; it is not guaranteed that a nearby NHS practice will have an immediate slot.

Private emergency charges vary more widely. Current published examples in this guide include:

• Baker Street Dental: emergency consultation £45
• Night and Day Emergency Dentist Acton: consultation £50, with X-rays and diagnosis stated as included
• 24 Hour Emergency Dentists London at Durnsford Road: emergency consultation from about £50, with most complete visits stated as falling between £50 and £350
• Vale Dental Practice's emergency service: daytime consultation from £35 and out-of-hours consultation from £45

These are consultation or starting fees, not guarantees of the complete bill. Additional charges may apply for:

• X-rays
• Temporary filling
• Permanent filling
• Dressing a tooth
• Opening or beginning root-canal treatment
• Extraction
• Surgical extraction
• Recementing or replacing a crown
• Antibiotic prescription
• Sedation
• Call-out attendance
• Laboratory work
• Follow-up treatment

Ask for the likely total before treatment begins. In an emergency, the dentist may offer temporary pain-relieving treatment first and arrange definitive care later.

What distinguishes a reliable emergency dental service?

A useful emergency service should establish the nature of the problem before asking the patient to travel. Telephone triage should cover swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty, trauma, bleeding, fever, medication, allergies, pregnancy and relevant medical conditions.

The caller should be told whether a dentist is physically present or being called to the clinic, the earliest confirmed appointment, the consultation or call-out fee and whether X-rays or first-line treatment are included. Where the likely procedure cannot be provided immediately, the clinic should explain whether it can offer temporary pain relief, referral or stabilisation.

Current Care Quality Commission registration confirms that the provider is registered to deliver regulated dental care in England. It does not guarantee immediate availability, a painless procedure or a particular outcome. Patient reviews can illustrate individual experiences of communication and treatment but cannot predict another emergency appointment.

Baker Street Dental

Emergency phone: 020 7486 1047

General phone published by the wider clinic: 020 7955 5559

Emergency availability: Advertised 24 hours a day, seven days a week; telephone booking is required

Website

Published fees:

• Emergency consultation: £45
• Small X-ray: £35
• Panoramic X-ray: £85
• Treatment charged separately

Baker Street Dental combines a long-running Marylebone practice with a dedicated private emergency service. The clinic advertises round-the-clock appointments for new and existing patients and asks patients to telephone rather than arrive unannounced.

Its published emergency service includes assessment and active treatment where clinically appropriate. Possible same-day procedures include temporary or permanent fillings, the first stage of root-canal treatment and extraction. Availability of a particular clinician, equipment or sedation must still be confirmed during the call.

The practice promotes CT scanning, digital dentistry and same-day restorative technology. These facilities can be useful, but they are not necessary for every emergency and should be used only when clinically justified. A patient attending with pain should ask whether the proposed scan or definitive restoration is needed that night or can safely wait.

The current CQC registration is under The Whiter Smile Limited, trading as Baker Street Dental, at 102 Baker Street. The provider's latest published assessment reported that the relevant regulations were met across the assessed areas. Patients should still check the treating dentist's General Dental Council registration and the scope of the proposed treatment.

Pros

• Central Baker Street location
• Genuine advertised 24-hour private appointments
• Published consultation and imaging prices
• Broad emergency-treatment capability
• Accepts patients who are not registered with the practice

Best for: Central London emergencies requiring an in-person assessment outside ordinary practice hours.

What to confirm: Ask who will attend, whether the clinic is currently staffed, the estimated cost of the likely procedure and whether definitive treatment can be completed that visit.

Clear explanations during an emergency root canal

“My partner needed an emergency root canal and was very nervous. Dr Boulis explained everything clearly, and the team made the experience more manageable.”

Claudia Puccetti, Google review

Seen shortly after calling

“I needed an emergency root canal because of extreme pain and was seen within a short time. The dentist talked me through each step and was patient and kind.”

Cerys Lloyd, Google review

Night and Day Emergency Dentist Acton

Current CQC-listed phone: 07415 849849

Alternative number published on the Acton website: 07759 998555

Availability: Emergency appointments advertised 24 hours a day; the dentist may be called out outside ordinary attendance hours

Website

Published fees:

• Standard emergency consultation: £50
• The clinic states that the consultation includes examination, diagnosis and X-rays
• Additional treatment is normally charged separately
• Out-of-hours call-out terms should be confirmed by telephone

Night and Day Emergency Dentist operates from 175 The Vale in Acton and is currently registered with the CQC under S M Rahman Limited. Its 2025 CQC assessment describes a private emergency dental service for adults and some children, with step-free access and nearby parking.

The service is useful for west London patients who need late-evening or overnight care. The website explains that an out-of-hours dentist may be called to the clinic, so telephone assessment is required before travelling.

The main Acton page states that the £50 consultation includes X-rays, examination and diagnosis, with treatment charged separately. A separate FAQ refers to first-line treatment for one tooth within a call-out arrangement. Because those descriptions differ, callers should ask for the complete out-of-hours fee and the exact treatment included before requesting attendance.

The CQC service information includes care for some children. Parents should still describe the child's age, injury, medical history and anxiety during the call so the clinic can confirm that the attending dentist and facilities are suitable.

Pros

• West London emergency location
• Current CQC-listed private provider
• Advertised overnight and weekend access
• Step-free entrance
• Published standard consultation fee

Best for: Acton, Chiswick and west London patients needing an evening or overnight assessment.

What to confirm: Ask for the complete call-out price, what first-line treatment is included and whether the dentist is physically present before travelling.

Quickly accommodated

“The clinic accommodated me quickly, and the dentist explained the problem in a reassuring and professional way.”

Sara Ali, Google review

Late-night wisdom-tooth treatment

“I attended late at night with an infected wisdom tooth. The dentist explained the procedure and helped relieve the pain.”

Ama Malawwethanthri, Google review

24 Hour Emergency Dentists London at Crystal Dental Care

Practice phone: 020 8245 7575

Emergency mobile: 07436 809977

Availability: The separate emergency service advertises 24-hour appointments by prior telephone booking

Website

Published fees:

• Emergency consultation: approximately £50
• X-rays: from £25 on the emergency fee page
• Most emergency visits are stated to total roughly £50 to £350, depending on treatment

The emergency service operates from Crystal Dental Care on Durnsford Road, close to Bounds Green. It is particularly relevant to patients in Haringey, Enfield, Barnet and north London.

An important distinction is necessary. The CQC's published ordinary practice hours for Crystal Dental Care are not continuously 24 hours. The separate emergency website advertises round-the-clock appointments through an emergency phone service. Patients must therefore call and obtain a confirmed attendance time rather than assume that the door remains open throughout the night.

The clinic publishes a relatively useful total-visit range of £50 to £350, though surgical extraction, complex root-canal work or definitive restorative treatment may fall outside a simple estimate. Ask whether the quoted amount is for temporary pain relief or final treatment.

The practice is close to Bounds Green and serves a broad part of north London. Comfort and treatment experience vary by procedure and individual circumstances, so the practical priorities are confirmed attendance, diagnosis, pain control and clear follow-up.

Pros

• North London emergency coverage
• Dedicated emergency mobile number
• Published consultation and broad total-visit guidance
• Operates from an established CQC-listed dental practice
• Suitable for new patients

Best for: North London patients who can telephone ahead and need out-of-hours treatment around Bounds Green.

What to confirm: Ask whether the dentist is attending specifically for the appointment, the likely total fee and whether the treatment will be temporary or definitive.

Long-term emergency and routine care

“We first met Dr Ali during a dental emergency and continued attending. Treatment plans and receipts were provided clearly.”

Chandan Chowdhury, Google review

Vale Dental Practice / 24/7 Emergency Dentist Golders Green

Phone: 020 8455 0465

Availability: Private emergency appointments advertised 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; call before attending

Website

Published fees:

• Daytime emergency consultation from £35
• Out-of-hours emergency consultation from £45
• Treatment and diagnostic costs may be additional

Vale Dental Practice's emergency service is the most relevant option in this guide for Golders Green, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Finchley and parts of Barnet. It advertises private appointments at any hour, but patients should telephone for a confirmed time.

The published consultation price is lower than the other providers in this guide. It should not be confused with the total treatment cost. A cracked tooth may require an X-ray, temporary filling, extraction or the beginning of root-canal treatment, each charged separately.

Out-of-hours treatment may involve separate consultation, imaging and procedure fees. The patient should request a clearly itemised estimate whenever the clinical situation permits.

The service also advertises care for traumatic injuries. For significant facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or possible jaw fracture, a hospital emergency department may be more appropriate than a dental surgery.

Pros

• Golders Green and north-west London location
• Advertised 24-hour private appointments
• Low published starting consultation price
• New patients can request emergency care
• Suitable for common pain, broken-tooth and lost-restoration problems

Best for: North-west London patients seeking a comparatively low starting consultation fee.

What to confirm: Ask for the out-of-hours consultation, X-ray and likely treatment charges as separate figures.

Seen during the night for severe pain

“I was seen during the night with severe pain from a cracked tooth. The dentist put me at ease, relieved the immediate problem and explained a longer-term plan.”

Owen Batchelor, Google review

Quick comparison

Fees can change and generally exclude definitive treatment.

Telephone triage before travelling

A short but accurate description helps the clinic decide how urgently the patient should be seen and whether dental surgery or hospital care is more appropriate.

Tell the clinic:

• Where the pain or swelling is located
• When it began and whether it is worsening
• Whether swelling affects the eye, neck, breathing or swallowing
• Whether there has been trauma
• Whether bleeding is controlled
• Whether a permanent tooth has been knocked out
• Whether there is fever, dizziness or feeling generally unwell
• Which pain relief has already been taken
• Current medication, allergies and significant medical conditions
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• The patient's age
• Whether sedation may be requested
• Whether the patient has someone available to escort them

Do not minimise breathing difficulty or rapidly spreading swelling in the hope of obtaining a dental appointment. Those symptoms may require emergency medical care.

Understanding temporary and definitive treatment

Emergency dentistry often focuses first on controlling pain, infection, bleeding or further damage. A temporary filling, dressing, drainage procedure or first stage of root-canal treatment may stabilise the problem without completing the final restoration.

Before leaving, ask:

• What treatment was completed
• What remains temporary
• How long the temporary measure is expected to last
• Which symptoms require urgent review
• Whether antibiotics were prescribed and why
• When definitive treatment should be arranged
• Whether the clinic can provide that follow-up
• What records or X-rays should be shared with the regular dentist

A temporary improvement should not be treated as proof that the underlying problem has resolved.

What treatment can an emergency dentist provide?

Depending on the diagnosis, an emergency dentist may offer:

• Examination and X-rays
• Temporary filling
• Recementing a crown
• Smoothing a sharp fractured edge
• Beginning root-canal treatment
• Drainage of an abscess
• Extraction
• Treatment of bleeding
• Repositioning or splinting a traumatised tooth
• Prescription medication where clinically appropriate
• Referral for oral surgery, endodontics or hospital care

The immediate goal may be pain control and prevention of deterioration rather than completion of every stage. A root canal, crown or bridge often requires follow-up appointments.

Antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment and are not automatically appropriate for toothache. They are generally considered where there is spreading infection, systemic involvement or another clinical indication.

What to do with a knocked-out tooth

For a knocked-out adult permanent tooth:

1. Hold it by the crown, not the root.
2. If dirty, rinse it briefly in milk, saline or clean cold water without scrubbing.
3. Try to place it gently back into the socket in the correct orientation if confident and safe to do so.
4. If it cannot be reinserted, store it in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution.
5. Seek emergency dental care immediately.

Do not reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth because this can damage the developing permanent tooth.

Time matters. Telephone the clinic while travelling and explain that the tooth has been completely knocked out. The chance of successful reimplantation generally falls as the tooth remains dry or outside the socket, so it should not be wrapped in tissue or allowed to dry.

If there is facial injury, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled bleeding or concern about a jaw fracture, seek emergency medical care as well as dental advice.

Broken or cracked teeth

Rinse gently and keep any fragments. Avoid chewing on the affected side. A temporary dental repair kit may protect a lost filling or crown briefly, but do not use household glue.

Pain on biting, temperature sensitivity or a visible crack can indicate deeper damage. A dentist may need to assess whether the tooth can be restored, requires root-canal treatment or must be extracted.

A crown that has fallen off should be kept clean and brought to the appointment. Do not force it back if it does not seat easily.

Lost fillings, crowns and bridges

A lost filling may expose sensitive tooth tissue or leave a sharp edge. Keep the area clean, avoid very hot, cold or sugary food and use a pharmacy temporary-repair product only as directed. Household adhesives are unsuitable.

Keep a dislodged crown or bridge and bring it to the appointment. Recementing may be possible if the restoration and supporting tooth remain suitable, but a dentist must first check for decay, fracture or damage beneath it.

A loose implant crown or bridge should be assessed promptly. Avoid repeatedly tightening, pressing or manipulating it at home because the problem may involve a screw, abutment or supporting implant component.

Dental abscess and facial swelling

A dental abscess usually requires treatment of the source, such as drainage, root-canal treatment or extraction. Antibiotics alone may not remove the cause.

Seek urgent assessment for swelling, fever, a bad taste, difficulty opening the mouth or feeling unwell. Go to emergency services immediately if swelling affects breathing, swallowing, the eye or the neck.

Do not attempt to drain an abscess yourself.

Controlling dental pain while waiting

Follow current packaging instructions and speak to a pharmacist if unsure which painkillers are safe. Paracetamol and ibuprofen may be options for many adults, but they are not suitable for everyone.

Avoid aspirin directly on the gum or tooth; it can burn the tissue. Do not exceed stated doses or combine products containing the same ingredient.

Pregnancy, stomach ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease, blood-thinning medication, asthma and other conditions may affect what can be taken. A pharmacist, NHS 111 or another appropriate clinician can advise.

Children require age- and weight-appropriate dosing. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16 unless specifically directed by a doctor.

Cold packs placed outside the face may help after trauma. Do not apply extreme heat to swelling.

Anxiety, sedation and escorts

Tell the clinic if severe dental anxiety, a previous traumatic experience or a medical condition may affect treatment. The dentist may adapt communication, allow additional time or discuss an appropriate sedation route.

Sedation is not automatically available at every overnight appointment. Some forms require prior assessment, fasting instructions or a responsible adult escort. A patient who receives sedative medication must follow the clinic's restrictions on driving, work, alcohol and decision-making.

An emergency appointment may still focus on a simple stabilising procedure if definitive treatment under sedation cannot be arranged safely that night.

Questions to ask when calling

• Is a dentist physically at the clinic now?
• What is the earliest confirmed appointment?
• What is the consultation or call-out fee?
• Are X-rays included?
• Is treatment charged separately?
• Can the clinic perform the likely procedure?
• Is sedation available, and would it require an escort?
• Will the treatment be temporary or definitive?
• What payment methods are accepted overnight?
• Is step-free access available?
• What should be done before arrival?
• When should hospital emergency care be used instead?

Describe swelling, fever, trauma, bleeding, medication, allergies and pregnancy during the call.

Before agreeing to treatment

Ask the dentist to explain:

• The diagnosis
• Immediate options
• What happens without treatment
• Whether a temporary measure is reasonable
• The full expected fee
• Follow-up requirements
• Alternative treatment
• Significant risks

A painful emergency can make decision-making difficult, but consent still matters. Except where delay would create serious risk, a patient can ask for time to understand the proposed treatment or request another opinion.

For expensive definitive treatment, ask whether the immediate problem can be stabilised and completed later by the regular dentist.

NHS urgent dental care

Call the regular NHS dentist first where possible. Practices providing NHS care may reserve urgent appointments, but availability is limited and a patient is not automatically guaranteed a place at any chosen clinic.

NHS 111 can help locate urgent dental arrangements when the patient has no dentist or cannot obtain help. The NHS urgent charge in England is £27.90 from April 2026, unless an exemption or help with costs applies.

An urgent NHS course may include treatment needed to relieve severe pain, control bleeding, manage infection or address trauma. Further routine treatment can form a separate course and charge.

Checking the dentist and clinic

Every practising dentist in the UK must appear on the General Dental Council register. Search the name of the treating dentist, especially when an unfamiliar clinician is being called in overnight.

Dental practices in England providing regulated treatment should appear under a current CQC provider. The CQC registration confirms the provider is authorised for relevant regulated activities; it is not a guarantee of a painless or successful result.

Keep the invoice, treatment plan, prescription details, X-rays where supplied and information about any temporary material. Share them with the regular dentist at follow-up.

Where possible, ask the emergency clinic to record the diagnosis, tooth number, treatment completed and recommended next step. This reduces duplication and helps the regular dentist understand whether the emergency procedure was temporary or definitive.

Frequently asked questions

Can I walk into a 24-hour emergency dentist?

Do not rely on walk-in access. Most services require a telephone call so an on-call dentist can attend or the clinic can prepare for the case.

Will an emergency dentist complete a root canal immediately?

Sometimes the dentist can begin treatment and relieve pressure or pain. Final cleaning, shaping and restoration may require further appointments.

Can an emergency dentist prescribe antibiotics over the phone?

A dentist normally needs enough clinical information to prescribe safely, and an in-person examination may be required. Antibiotics are not appropriate for every dental pain.

Is private emergency dental care covered by insurance?

It depends on the policy, excess, waiting period and definition of an emergency. Request a detailed receipt and treatment plan.

Does a 24-hour clinic charge more at night?

Some clinics charge a separate call-out or higher out-of-hours consultation fee. Confirm this before asking a dentist to attend.

Can I go to A&E with toothache?

A&E is appropriate for serious trauma, spreading swelling, airway problems or uncontrolled bleeding. Routine toothache normally requires a dentist.

Choosing with confidence

The strongest emergency dental service is the one that answers the phone, confirms a real appointment and clearly explains the likely charges and limits of treatment. A “24-hour” label is not enough on its own.

For severe swelling, trauma or uncontrolled bleeding, prioritise safety over travelling across London for a particular clinic. For toothache, a broken restoration or a lost crown, call ahead, ask whether the dentist can provide the likely procedure and obtain a clear estimate before treatment whenever possible.

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