Dental Emergency

A dental emergency includes any situation involving severe toothache that does not respond to over‑the‑counter pain relief, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, a knocked‑out tooth, a cracked or fractured tooth causing sharp pain, a dental abscess with facial swelling or fever, a lost filling or crown that is causing pain or sensitivity, or soft tissue injuries to your gums, tongue, or lips. If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call our Liverpool clinic and one of our team will advise you immediately.

Yes, absolutely. You do not need to be an existing patient to access our emergency dental service. We welcome new private patients who are in pain or have suffered dental trauma. Simply call our Liverpool clinic, explain your situation, and we will book you in as quickly as possible, often on the same day. You do not need a referral from another dentist.

We prioritise genuine dental emergencies above all other appointments. For new private patients in Liverpool, we typically offer same‑day emergency appointments for severe pain, swelling, or trauma. If you call before 10am, we will nearly always see you that afternoon or the following day.

Time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline, but do not scrub or dry it. Try to place the tooth back into its socket and hold it there by biting gently on a clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert it, store the tooth in a cup of milk, saline solution, or your own saliva. Do not store it in tap water. Call us immediately. If we see you within thirty to sixty minutes, there is a good chance we can save the tooth.

Our up todate emergency consultation fee for new private patients can be found on our plans and prices page. An emergency consultation includes a thorough examination, diagnostic x‑rays if needed, and a treatment plan. Any treatment required, such as a filling, extraction, or temporary crown, is charged separately, and we will always provide a quote and obtain your approval before proceeding. We do not charge hidden or surprise fees.

We treat most dental abscesses here at our Liverpool clinic. An abscess is a serious infection that requires drainage and antibiotics. We will take an x‑ray, open the tooth or drain the swelling, and prescribe appropriate antibiotics. However, if you have significant facial swelling that is affecting your breathing or swallowing, or swelling that has spread to your eye or neck, go directly to A&E or call 999. For all other abscesses, call us first.

Yes, we do. For our registered Denplan patients, we provide a comprehensive out‑of‑hours emergency service available 365 days a year, including nights, weekends, bank holidays, and even while you are travelling abroad. You receive access to a dedicated 24‑hour dental helpline that can arrange for you to see a dentist locally or internationally whenever an emergency arises. This valuable cover is included within your monthly Denplan payment, meaning no unexpected fees for urgent care outside normal hours. For pay‑as‑you‑go private patients, emergency appointments are available during our standard opening hours.

Take over‑the‑counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not place aspirin directly on your gum or tooth, as this causes chemical burns. Rinse gently with warm salt water. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Do not apply heat to the outside of your cheek, as this can spread infection. Cold compresses are safe and can help with swelling. Most importantly, do not wait. Call us as soon as possible.

A lost filling or crown is not usually a life‑threatening emergency, but it does require attention. If the tooth is not painful, you can book a routine appointment within a few days. However, if the tooth is sensitive or sharp edges are cutting your tongue or cheek, we will prioritise you for a same‑day or next‑day appointment. For a lost crown, you can buy temporary dental cement from a Liverpool pharmacy to re‑seat the crown until you see us. We also understand that some situations are cosmetic emergencies, such as a chipped or discoloured front tooth before a job interview or wedding. If you have an upcoming important event, please tell our team when you call, and we will always try to prioritise you for an urgent appointment to restore your smile with confidence.

If your emergency examination shows that a tooth cannot be saved due to extensive decay, infection, or fracture, we will explain exactly why extraction is the best option. Simple extractions can often be performed during the same emergency appointment. More complex surgical extractions may require a separate, longer appointment. We will always obtain your written consent and provide a full cost breakdown before any extraction is carried out.

Emergency treatment itself is usually billed on the day, as finance applications take time to process. However, if your emergency leads to a larger treatment plan, such as a root canal and crown or multiple extractions, we can then arrange an interest‑free or low‑interest payment plan for the follow‑up restorative work. Speak to our reception team after your emergency appointment to explore your options.

"Yes, you are in very safe hands with us. At Abbey by Duthie Dental, we have created a calm, luxury spa‑like environment in the heart of Liverpool, because we believe that dental care should feel as relaxing as it is effective. Our dentists are specially trained and highly experienced in supporting anxious patients, and we take a gentle, holistic approach to dentistry that treats not just your teeth, but your overall wellbeing. Tell our receptionist that you feel nervous when you book, and we will allocate extra time for you, explain every step before we do it, and stop immediately whenever you need a pause. For those who need deeper relaxation, we also offer IV sedation during treatment. You will leave feeling cared for, not rushed.

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Yes, we treat children for dental emergencies at Abbey by Duthie Dental. Common paediatric emergencies include knocked‑out baby or adult teeth, toothache from decay, chipped teeth from falls, and dental abscesses. For baby teeth that have been knocked out, we do not usually reimplant them because this can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Call us immediately, and we will advise you over the phone and book a same‑day appointment if needed.

Painless swelling in your gum or face should still be taken seriously. It can indicate a chronic abscess, a cyst, or in rare cases, something more serious. Do not wait for pain to develop. Call us to book an emergency or urgent appointment. We will take an x‑ray to identify the cause. If we are concerned about any swelling that is not dental in origin, we will refer you to the appropriate medical service in Liverpool.