Emergency Dentist in Hove: What to Do When Dental Pain Cannot Wait

If you are in pain right now, do not read ahead. Call Somerhill Smiles on 01273 059670. We offer same-day emergency appointments from our practice on Church Road, Hove. 

If you have a few minutes and want to understand what is happening, what to do about it, and what to expect when you call, read on.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Not every dental problem needs to be seen today. Some things are urgent. Some can wait a few days. Knowing the difference helps you act quickly when it matters and avoid unnecessary panic when it does not.

The following situations need same-day or next-day attention:

• Severe toothache that is not easing with over-the-counter painkillers

• A knocked-out or partially displaced tooth. Time is critical here

• Signs of a dental abscess: swelling in your face or gum, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing

• A broken or cracked tooth with sharp edges, significant pain, or an exposed nerve

• A lost crown or filling that is causing pain or sensitivity

• A soft tissue injury: cuts, bleeding, or trauma to the lips, gums, or cheeks that will not stop

  
  

These situations can usually wait for a routine appointment:

• A lost filling or crown with no pain

• Mild, intermittent tooth sensitivity

• A chipped tooth with no sharp edges and no pain

• Cosmetic concerns with no discomfort

  
  

If you are not sure whether your situation is urgent, call anyway. It is better to ask and be told it can wait than to leave something that should not be left.

What to do right now

Here is what to do depending on your situation, before you can get to a dentist.

Knocked-out tooth: Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, not the root. Do not scrub it. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline. Try to place it back in the socket if you can, or keep it submerged in milk. Get to a dentist within an hour. The faster you act, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

Severe toothache: Take paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet food and drink. Clove oil on a cotton pad can help with short-term pain while you wait to be seen. Call your dentist as soon as possible.

Dental abscess: Do not ignore this. An abscess is an infection, and infections in the mouth can spread to the jaw, neck, and beyond. Call your dentist the same day. A cold compress on the outside of your face can reduce swelling in the short term. Do not apply heat. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own.

Broken or cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Save any fragments if you can find them. If the broken edge is sharp, temporary dental wax from a pharmacy can protect your tongue and cheek until you are seen.

Lost crown or filling: Temporary filling material is available from most pharmacies and will cover the exposed area while you wait for an appointment. Avoid chewing on that side. Call your dentist to book an urgent appointment, even if there is no pain yet.

Soft tissue injury: Rinse with warm salty water. Apply clean gauze or a cloth and hold gentle pressure on any bleeding. If bleeding does not slow after 15 to 20 minutes, go to your nearest A and E.

Will I be seen today?

Somerhill Smiles on Church Road, Hove offers same-day emergency appointments for patients in pain. Call 01273 059670 as early in the day as possible. When you call, it helps to have the following ready:

• A brief description of the problem and when it started

• Whether you are in pain and how severe it is

• Whether there is any swelling

• Whether you are an existing patient or new to the practice

  
  

NHS 111 is also available around the clock if you cannot reach a dentist. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk and they will advise you on your options and, where needed, direct you to an emergency dental service.

If you are a new patient, do not assume you need to be registered to be seen for an emergency. Most private practices, including Somerhill Smiles, will see new patients in genuine pain. Call and explain your situation. The priority is getting you out of pain.

How much does emergency dental treatment cost in Hove?

The cost of emergency dental care depends on what treatment is needed. At Somerhill Smiles, existing patients who are members of the practice plan receive priority access and a 20% discount on any treatment required. The plan costs from 21 pounds per month and covers routine check-ups, hygiene appointments, and emergency appointments. Full details are on the plans and fees page.

New patients are seen for emergency appointments too. You will be assessed, the problem will be stabilised, and the cost of any further treatment will be explained before any work is carried out. If you have questions before calling, you can get in touch via the website.

Avoiding dental emergencies

Most dental emergencies do not come out of nowhere. They tend to start as smaller problems that went unnoticed or untreated. Regular check-ups are the most effective way to catch those problems early, before they become painful.

A few straightforward habits reduce the risk significantly. Wearing a mouthguard for contact sports protects against knocked-out and broken teeth. Avoiding very hard foods like ice, boiled sweets, and hard bread crusts reduces cracking. And keeping up with routine general dentistry appointments means that small issues get dealt with before they become urgent ones.

Emergency dental care at Somerhill Smiles, Hove

Somerhill Smiles is a private dental practice at 212 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ, easy to reach from Brighton and across East Sussex. We provide emergency dental care in Hove and Brighton for both existing patients and new patients.

Same-day appointments are available for patients in pain. We will assess what is wrong, relieve the immediate problem, and explain clearly what the next steps are. Nothing will be done without your understanding and agreement.

For full information on our emergency service, visit the emergency care page. To find out more about the practice and the team, see the about us page.

Do not wait if you are in pain. Dental problems do not improve on their own, and most emergencies are easier and less costly to treat the sooner they are seen.

Call Somerhill Smiles today on 01273 059670. We will do everything we can to see you the same day. 

You can also book online or get in touch through the contact page if you prefer not to call. Either way, tell us what is happening and we will find the fastest way to help.

212 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ. Easy to reach from Brighton and across East Sussex. online, or get in touch if you have questions before you do.