Dental Emergency on a Weekend? Here’s Where to Go in London Today

Dental pain doesn’t check your calendar. It can strike when you’re least prepared—often on a weekend when many dental practices are closed. Whether it’s a cracked tooth after a Saturday night dinner or an unbearable toothache on a lazy Sunday morning, dental emergencies can’t always wait.

If you're in London and find yourself facing an urgent dental issue, it’s crucial to know where to go for fast, professional care—even outside the standard 9–5. This guide outlines your best options for managing a dental emergency over the weekend in London.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Common Weekend Dental Emergencies

Some dental issues require urgent care to prevent further damage or infection. These include:

• Severe or persistent toothache
• Knocked-out or loose teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Lost fillings, crowns or bridges
• Dental abscesses and facial swelling
• Bleeding after dental surgery or trauma

When to Seek Immediate Dental Care

Not every dental problem qualifies as an emergency. However, if the pain is severe, there’s swelling, bleeding, or visible trauma, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications and more expensive treatments down the line.

Challenges of Finding a Dentist on the Weekend

Weekend dental emergencies are stressful enough without the added frustration of trying to find an open clinic. Many local NHS and private dental surgeries only operate during the week.

Although NHS 111 may help direct you to urgent care, appointments are limited and response times vary. Similarly, visiting A&E for a dental issue might not yield quick or specialised care unless the situation is life-threatening.

Where to Go for a Dental Emergency in London This Weekend

London is home to a mix of NHS and private emergency dental services. Your choice depends on the urgency, location, and whether you prefer quicker, more flexible private treatment.

Private practices often offer emergency slots on Saturdays and Sundays, sometimes with same-day appointments. Benefits include:

• Immediate pain relief
• Advanced diagnostics (e.g., digital X-rays)
• Weekend availability with shorter wait times

Examples of reputable weekend emergency dental clinics in London include:

• 24 Hour Emergency Dentist (Central London – Harley Street & Baker Street)
• Emergency Dentist London (Liverpool Street)
• Tooth Dental Clinic (Clapham, South London)
• Dentexcel Emergency Service (North West London)

Tip: Always call ahead to confirm availability and estimated costs.

NHS Urgent Dental Services

NHS urgent care is available on weekends but must be accessed via NHS 111. You’ll be triaged over the phone and referred to a clinic if necessary. Appointments aren’t guaranteed, and availability is limited, especially during bank holidays or peak hours.

Expect to pay a flat fee of £25.80 for urgent NHS dental treatment (as of 2025), unless you are exempt from charges.

A&E Departments – When It’s a True Medical Emergency

If you're experiencing facial trauma, severe swelling affecting breathing, or uncontrollable bleeding, A&E is appropriate. Hospitals such as King’s College Hospital Dental Institute or UCLH have dental units for serious emergencies.

Note: A&E should not be your first stop for toothaches or broken fillings, as you may face long waits and limited dental resources.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Appointment

Your emergency dental visit will typically include:

• Initial assessment and medical history
• Diagnostic tests (X-rays or visual checks)
• Pain management
• Immediate treatment or a temporary fix
• Advice on follow-up care or permanent treatment

Depending on your situation, your dentist may perform a temporary filling, begin a root canal, re-implant a knocked-out tooth, or refer you for specialist care.

Tips to Handle a Dental Emergency Until You See a Dentist

If you can’t get to a dentist right away, here are some tips to manage the situation safely:

• Tooth knocked out? Keep it moist—preferably in milk or in your cheek—and see a dentist within 1 hour.
• Severe pain? Use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (not aspirin if there’s bleeding).
• Swelling? Apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation.
• Lost crown or filling? Temporary dental repair kits can help protect the area until a dentist can fix it.
• Avoid eating on the affected side and stick to soft foods and lukewarm drinks.

Weekend Emergency Dental Care – Costs and Considerations

Private dental emergency fees in London vary depending on the procedure and the clinic’s location. Here's a general guide:

• Emergency consultation: £95–£150
• Temporary filling or crown: £100–£200
• Root canal treatment: from £350+
• Tooth extraction: £120–£250

Private clinics may charge an additional weekend surcharge, especially for out-of-hours or same-day services.

If you have dental insurance, check your policy as some plans cover emergency dental care—even at private clinics.

Conclusion – Don’t Wait It Out

Dental emergencies are never convenient—but weekend emergency dental in London is available if you know where to look. Delaying treatment could worsen your condition, increase pain, and lead to more costly interventions. Whether you choose a reputable private clinic or access NHS urgent care, getting prompt help is essential.

Bookmark this guide so you know where to go the next time a weekend dental emergency strikes.