Is It a Dental Emergency or Can It Wait? A Quick Checklist for Londoners

Dental pain can be alarming, particularly when it strikes unexpectedly. Whether it is a sudden toothache, a chipped tooth, or swelling around the jaw, many patients are understandably unsure whether their symptoms require urgent attention or whether they can safely wait for a routine appointment. This uncertainty can lead to unnecessary anxiety — or, in some cases, delayed care when prompt assessment may be beneficial.

This guide provides a practical overview to help London patients assess common dental symptoms. Using a simple Red, Yellow, and Green traffic light system, the aim is to support informed decision-making and help you understand when professional advice may be needed. If you are ever in doubt about the severity of your symptoms, seeking guidance from an emergency dentist in London is always a reasonable step.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is generally understood to be any situation involving the teeth, gums, or surrounding structures that requires prompt clinical attention to relieve severe pain, control bleeding, manage infection, or preserve a tooth that may otherwise be lost. Not every dental problem is an emergency, and distinguishing between urgent and non-urgent symptoms can help patients access the most appropriate level of care.

The traffic light system below is designed to offer a straightforward framework. However, individual circumstances vary, and the information provided here should be considered alongside your own judgement and, where appropriate, professional advice.

🔴 Red — Seek Urgent Dental Care

Red-category symptoms may indicate a situation where delaying care could lead to worsening pain, tissue damage, or complications. If you are experiencing any of the following, seeking a professional assessment as soon as possible is generally advisable.

Facial Swelling

Swelling of the face, jaw, or neck associated with dental pain can sometimes indicate a spreading infection. A dental abscess may cause localised swelling initially, but if the swelling extends to the cheek, eye area, or beneath the jaw, it may suggest that the infection is affecting the surrounding soft tissues. In some cases, this can progress and may require urgent clinical intervention.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If an adult tooth has been completely knocked out, time can be a significant factor in determining whether the tooth can be successfully replanted. Handling the tooth by the crown (avoiding the root), keeping it moist — ideally in milk or saline — and seeking dental attention promptly may improve the chances of saving the tooth. A knocked-out tooth is generally regarded as one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies.

Severe Uncontrolled Bleeding

Minor bleeding after dental procedures or minor oral injuries often resolves with gentle pressure using a clean cloth or gauze. However, if bleeding from the mouth is heavy, persistent, or cannot be controlled after 15 to 20 minutes of sustained pressure, this may require urgent assessment. Uncontrolled oral bleeding can occasionally be associated with underlying medical conditions or may indicate a more significant injury.

Signs of Spreading Infection

An infection that remains localised around a single tooth may be manageable through a scheduled appointment. However, signs that an infection may be spreading — such as a raised temperature, feeling generally unwell, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), or difficulty swallowing — can indicate a more serious situation that may benefit from prompt clinical evaluation. In rare cases, dental infections can progress rapidly and affect the airway.

🟡 Yellow — Book an Appointment Today

Yellow-category symptoms are not typically life-threatening, but they may benefit from professional attention within the same day or within a day or two to prevent the situation from worsening. Monitoring your symptoms and contacting a dental practice for guidance is usually a sensible approach.

Lost Crown or Filling

A crown or filling that has come loose or fallen out can leave the underlying tooth structure exposed. This may cause sensitivity to temperature or pressure and can make the tooth more vulnerable to further damage or decay. Whilst this is not usually an emergency, arranging an appointment within a reasonable timeframe is generally recommended. In the interim, avoiding chewing on that side and keeping the area clean may help.

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A cracked tooth can range in severity from a minor surface crack to a deeper fracture that extends towards the nerve. If you notice sharp pain when biting or releasing, or sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers, a dental assessment can help determine the extent of the damage. Early evaluation may allow for treatment options that could help preserve the tooth.

Persistent Dull Ache

A dull, persistent toothache that does not resolve within a day or two may indicate an underlying issue such as decay, a cracked filling, or early-stage pulp inflammation. Whilst not always urgent, persistent dental pain is generally worth investigating, as earlier assessment can sometimes allow for more conservative treatment options.

Localised Swelling Without Systemic Symptoms

Swelling around a tooth or in the gum without accompanying fever, malaise, or difficulty swallowing may suggest a localised issue such as an early abscess or gum infection. This typically warrants professional assessment, but the absence of systemic symptoms may mean it can be addressed through a prompt rather than emergency appointment. However, monitoring for any changes — particularly worsening swelling or the onset of fever — is important, as this could shift the situation into the Red category.

🟢 Green — Can Wait for Routine Care

Green-category symptoms are generally not urgent and can usually be addressed at your next scheduled dental appointment or through a routine booking. Whilst they may be noticeable or mildly uncomfortable, they are unlikely to worsen significantly in the short term.

Minor Chip Without Pain

A small chip on a tooth that does not cause pain and has no sharp edges irritating the tongue or cheek is typically a cosmetic concern rather than an emergency. A dentist may recommend composite bonding or smoothing the edge at a routine visit. If the chip has a sharp edge that is causing soft tissue irritation, covering it temporarily with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum can help until you are seen.

Mild Sensitivity

Brief, mild sensitivity to hot or cold that resolves quickly is relatively common and may not indicate a serious problem. It can sometimes be associated with enamel wear, receding gums, or recent dental treatment. Using a desensitising toothpaste and avoiding extreme temperature foods may provide temporary relief. However, if sensitivity becomes persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by pain, it may be worth bringing your appointment forward.

Staining or Cosmetic Concerns

Tooth discolouration, surface staining, or minor cosmetic imperfections are not dental emergencies. These concerns can be discussed with your dentist or hygienist during a routine appointment, where options such as professional cleaning, whitening, or bonding may be considered based on your individual circumstances.

When Should I See an Emergency Dentist in London?

The decision to seek emergency dental care depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms. As a general guide, you may wish to consider contacting an emergency dental service if:

• You have facial swelling that is worsening or spreading
• An adult tooth has been knocked out or significantly displaced
• You are experiencing bleeding that will not stop with pressure
• You have signs of infection accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing
• You are in severe pain that is not manageable with over-the-counter pain relief

If your symptoms do not fall clearly into one category, or if you are uncertain about the severity of your situation, contacting a dental practice for telephone advice can often help clarify the most appropriate next step. Many practices are able to offer guidance over the phone and can help you determine whether an urgent or routine appointment is more suitable.

Can Some Dental Problems Wait?

Yes. Not every dental issue requires immediate attention, and understanding this can help reduce unnecessary worry. Minor chips, mild sensitivity, and cosmetic concerns can typically be addressed through routine dental care without any increased risk from waiting a short period.

That said, it is important to remain attentive to any changes in your symptoms. A situation that starts in the Green or Yellow category can sometimes progress. For example, a mild toothache that develops into throbbing pain with swelling may indicate that the underlying problem has worsened and may now warrant more prompt attention.

What Should I Do If I Am Unsure?

If you are unsure whether your symptoms constitute an emergency, the safest course of action is to seek professional advice. You can:

• Contact your dental practice by telephone for guidance
• Call NHS 111 for out-of-hours dental advice
• Request an emergency dental appointment for a professional assessment
• Attend A&E only if you have difficulty breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, or significant facial trauma

A dentist can carry out a clinical examination, take X-rays where indicated, and provide a clear assessment of your situation. Even if the problem turns out to be less serious than expected, early evaluation can offer reassurance and, in some cases, may allow for simpler treatment than would be needed if the issue were left to progress.

If you would like to arrange an emergency dental appointment, contacting a dental practice directly is usually the quickest route to receiving appropriate care.

Summary

Dental symptoms can range from minor inconveniences to situations that may benefit from urgent professional attention. The Red, Yellow, and Green framework outlined in this guide is intended to help London patients make more informed decisions about when to seek care. Red-category symptoms — such as facial swelling, a knocked-out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of spreading infection — generally warrant prompt assessment. Yellow-category issues — including lost crowns, cracked teeth, or persistent pain — may benefit from same-day or next-day attention. Green-category concerns — such as minor chips, mild sensitivity, or staining — can typically wait for a routine appointment.

Whatever your situation, if you are uncertain about the severity of your symptoms, seeking professional guidance is always a reasonable and responsible decision.