Support is available for people with urgent dental issues
Dr Catriona Peterson, Nottinghamshire dentist and Associate Medical Director (Dental) for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
I have seen first-hand how distressing dental pain or unexpected dental problems can be. What starts as mild discomfort can develop into severe pain, infection, difficulty eating, sleep disruption or swelling that can spread.
I want to reassure residents that help is available if you need urgent dental care – even if you are not currently registered with an NHS dentist.
An extra 24,360 urgent dental appointments have been made available for people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire who need them most.
You can visit 111.nhs.uk or phone 111 to ask for an urgent or emergency dental appointment if you have:
- A knocked-out tooth or other injury to the mouth
- Severe tooth or mouth pain affecting sleep or daily activities, not eased by usual painkillers
- Tooth or mouth pain that improves with painkillers but does not go away
- Swelling, a lump or patch inside your mouth that’s getting bigger or not resolving
- Bleeding or severe pain after a recent tooth removal
- A broken or loose filling, denture, crown, bridge or veneer
If you’re unsure whether your problem is urgent, NHS 111 will help you decide. What matters most is that if you think you need help, please don’t wait. Getting the right care early can prevent more serious problems.