GPs are not trained or equipped to provide dental treatment, so while they may occasionally prescribe pain relief or antibiotics if an infection is spreading, they cannot fix the underlying problem.
A&E should only be used for serious injuries, such as severe facial trauma, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or swelling that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow. Whether your emergency happens during the day, in the evening or at the weekend, the best place to seek help is usually an emergency dentist.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem that needs urgent treatment to stop pain, control bleeding, save a tooth or prevent infection from spreading.
Common dental emergencies include broken or knocked-out teeth, severe toothache, swelling in the mouth or face, heavy bleeding after an injury, lost fillings or crowns causing severe pain, and dental abscesses.
According to the NHS, around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have experienced dental pain within the last year, showing just how common urgent dental problems can be. Dental injuries are also common, with studies suggesting that around 20% of people will experience trauma to a permanent tooth during their lifetime.
Should You See a GP?
In most cases, the answer is no. GPs are not trained or equipped to carry out dental treatment. They cannot repair broken teeth, replace fillings, carry out root canal treatment or remove damaged teeth.
If you have a dental problem, you should contact a dentist as your first choice. Many dental practices keep appointments available for emergencies, and NHS practices can advise you where to find urgent dental care if they cannot see you.
A GP may be able to prescribe medication in certain situations, such as antibiotics if there are signs of a spreading infection, or offer advice on pain relief. However, this will not fix the cause of the dental problem, so you will still need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
What Should You Do During Normal Surgery Hours?
If your accident or tooth problem happens during the day on a weekday, contact your regular dentist immediately.
Explain what has happened and describe your symptoms. If you have severe pain, swelling, bleeding or a knocked-out tooth, tell the receptionist as these are usually treated as urgent cases.
If you have broken a tooth, keep any pieces if possible and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, hold it by the crown rather than the root, gently rinse it if dirty, and try to place it back into the socket if you can. If this is not possible, keep it in milk or inside your cheek and see a dentist straight away. Acting within an hour gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
What If It Happens in the Evening or at the Weekend?
Dental emergencies do not always happen during working hours. Many dental practices provide an out-of-hours telephone number with instructions on how to access emergency treatment. If your practice is closed, you can also contact NHS 111, which can direct you to an emergency dental service in your area.
You could go to a GP that is open on weekends if you were really desperate, but choosing a dentist is the best option for a real dental emergency.
It is important not to wait until Monday if you have severe pain, significant swelling or a knocked-out tooth. Early treatment can prevent further damage and reduce the risk of infection.
When Should You Go to A&E?
Most dental problems should not be treated at A&E. However, there are some situations where hospital care is the safest option. You should attend A&E if you have severe facial injuries following an accident, heavy bleeding that will not stop, difficulty breathing or swallowing because of swelling, or suspected broken bones in the face or jaw.
If you have lost consciousness, have a serious head injury or are experiencing other major injuries alongside dental damage, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
For a simple broken tooth or toothache, A&E is unlikely to provide dental treatment and will usually advise you to see an emergency dentist.
Don't Delay Treatment
It can be tempting to ignore a damaged tooth if the pain settles down, but delaying treatment often allows the problem to become worse.
Small cracks can become larger, infections can spread, and teeth that could have been saved may eventually need to be removed. Prompt treatment usually means simpler procedures and a better outcome.
If you are ever unsure where to go, remember that a dentist should usually be your first point of contact. GPs have a limited role in dental emergencies, while A&E should be reserved for serious injuries or life-threatening symptoms. Getting the right help quickly gives you the best chance of protecting both your teeth and your overall health.