Can I go to A&E for toothache?
Quick answer
Should I go to A&E for toothache?
Usually not — most A&E departments do not have a dentist and can only offer pain relief.
Go to A&E, or call 999, if you have facial swelling spreading to the eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to the face or jaw. For everything else, call a dentist. York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet offers same-day emergency assessments from £78 on 01932 348864.
What you need to know
Call as early in the day as you can — we keep emergency slots every weekday and on Saturday mornings. Registered patients of York House can also ask about out-of-hours appointments, charged from £185.
While you wait: take pain relief as directed on the packet if it is safe for you, avoid very hot, cold or sweet food, and sleep with your head slightly raised. Do not put aspirin on the gum — it burns the tissue.
Toothache rarely goes away permanently on its own. See toothache: what to do, dental abscess and emergency dentist in West Byfleet.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
