Dentist Hertfordshire

Dental emergency in Hertfordshire: NHS 111, A&E or an emergency dentist?

By Dr Faiz Azizan Data last checked How we list clinics

For a dental emergency in Hertfordshire, call NHS 111 first: it can direct you to an urgent dental service. Go to A&E or call 999 for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to the face or jaw. Your own practice can advise on non-urgent pain.

Call NHS 111 first for urgent dental problems

NHS 111 assesses urgent dental problems such as severe toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or a dental abscess, and can direct you to an urgent dental service that is open. Call before you travel so you are sent to a service that can see you.

Go to A&E or call 999 for serious symptoms

  • swelling that is spreading towards the eye, neck or throat
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • bleeding that will not stop after pressing on it
  • serious injury to the face or jaw

If it can wait

Mild or intermittent pain, a lost filling or a chipped tooth without severe pain are usually dealt with by contacting your own practice. Practices differ in how they handle urgent patients, so ask when you register.

What this directory does and does not tell you

This directory shows opening hours as listed on Google and which practices mention emergency appointments on their own websites, but it does not publish emergency availability. Opening hours change, and a wrong answer in an emergency is harmful, so emergency listings are held back. To find a practice near you, start with a town page:

See also NHS dentists in Hertfordshire: how to find one and check and How to choose a dentist in Hertfordshire: 8 checks.

Sources

This guide is general information compiled by an independent directory, not clinical advice. See the disclaimer and methodology.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I go to A&E for toothache?
Usually call NHS 111 first. Go to A&E or call 999 if you have swelling that spreads to the eye, neck or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to the face or jaw.
Can I get an emergency dentist in Hertfordshire without being registered?
NHS 111 can direct you to an urgent dental service whether or not you are registered with a dentist. Availability depends on the time and the service, so call rather than turning up.
Does this directory list emergency dentists?
No. We do not publish emergency availability, because hours and capacity change and wrong information in an emergency can cause harm. Use NHS 111 or call your own practice.