Something has happened to your mouth and you need to see a dentist today. Whether it happened last night or right now, you need to know what qualifies as a real dental emergency and how to get seen quickly.

Not every dental problem needs emergency treatment. But some situations genuinely cannot wait a few days. Here is what you need to know.

A dental emergency is any situation where you need immediate treatment to stop bleeding, save a tooth, or treat a serious infection. This includes knocked-out teeth, severe facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding after trauma, and signs of a spreading infection such as fever or difficulty breathing.

A cracked or broken tooth that is causing intense pain is also usually considered urgent. If you are not sure, call your dentist and describe your symptoms. They can advise whether you need to come in right away.

Lost fillings, chipped teeth without pain, minor toothache, and small chips in veneers can often wait a day or two for a regular appointment. These are uncomfortable but rarely dangerous.

A dull ache that is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and does not come with swelling or fever can usually be monitored for a short while. But do not ignore worsening pain or swelling, even if it started mild.

The fastest way is to call your dental practice directly. At Meads Village Dental Practice, you can reach us on 01323 723757. Describe your symptoms clearly so the team can assess how urgently you need to be seen.

If you call outside normal hours, follow the answering machine instructions for emergency care. Many practices have an on-call dentist or can direct you to an emergency dental service.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown only and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that is not feasible, keep it in milk or saliva and bring it with you. Do not let it dry out.

For swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Do not apply heat. If you have pain, over-the-counter ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage it until your appointment.

If you have a dental emergency, do not wait. Contact us immediately and we will do our best to see you as soon as possible.