Toothache can stop you sleeping, working and thinking clearly. When pain flares, you need calm, practical steps and fast access to the right care.

This guide explains what counts as a true dental emergency, where to go first, what to expect if an extraction is needed, typical costs for private care in the UK, and how we look after you before and after treatment. If you are in severe pain now, call us for a same-day urgent assessment where possible.

When toothache is a true dental emergency

Some symptoms need immediate medical help. Seek urgent help without delay if you have any of the following:

• Facial or mouth swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
• Uncontrolled bleeding after an injury or procedure
• Trauma to teeth or jaws with heavy bleeding, visible fractures or loss of consciousness
• Fever, feeling systemically unwell, or rapidly spreading swelling
• Severe, unrelenting pain not eased by over-the-counter pain relief

If you are unsure, call NHS 111 for advice. If breathing or swallowing is affected, call 999 or go to A&E.

Where to go for urgent dental pain

Knowing the right pathway saves time and gets you the right help quickly.

• Call 999 or go to A&E: if you have breathing or swallowing problems, severe trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial swelling that is spreading with fever.
• Call NHS 111: for out-of-hours guidance, when you do not have a dentist, or if you are unsure which service you need.
• Call our practice: for same-day urgent dental care during opening hours. We provide telephone triage, advice to manage symptoms safely, and aim to offer same-day appointments where possible. If you are searching for an East Grinstead dentist you can trust for urgent care, our team is ready to help with clear explanations, the option to pause, and follow-up support.

For practical self-care while you arrange help, stick to safe, low-risk measures: take over-the-counter analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the packaging, consider a wrapped cold compress on the cheek intermittently, choose a soft diet and avoid very hot or very cold foods, and keep the area clean with gentle brushing. If in doubt, contact us or NHS 111.

What happens at a same-day extraction appointment

Not every toothache ends in an extraction. Our first priority is diagnosis and relief of pain. Here is the typical flow if an extraction is the best option on the day.

• Assessment and X-ray: your clinician discusses your symptoms, examines the tooth and surrounding tissues, and usually takes a small dental X-ray to assess roots, bone levels and nearby anatomy.
• Options and consent: we explain findings and outline options, which may include a temporary dressing, antibiotics where clinically appropriate, root canal treatment, or extraction. We confirm risks, benefits and expected recovery, and answer your questions before you decide.
• Local anaesthetic: the area is fully numbed. You should feel pressure but no sharp pain. We check your comfort and can pause at any time on request.
• Gentle technique: using careful instruments and controlled movements, we support the surrounding tissues to minimise trauma. For more complex roots or fragile teeth, we may section the tooth to make removal smoother.
• Duration: the clinical procedure itself is often around 10 to 20 minutes. Including assessment, X-ray, anaesthetic and aftercare guidance, most single-tooth extraction visits take about 20 to 40 minutes, but this can vary with complexity.

Our patients often comment on the calm, step-by-step approach and the chance to pause if they need a moment. Reviews also highlight the practice’s gentle care and thorough aftercare.

Aftercare and recovery timeline

Clear aftercare helps healing feel predictable.

• First hour: bite firmly on the gauze we provide to help stop bleeding. Keep your head elevated and avoid hot drinks.
• First day: expect some oozing and mild soreness. Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the packaging if needed. Apply a wrapped cold compress to the cheek for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, to reduce swelling.
• 48 to 72 hours: swelling and tenderness are usually at their peak, then begin to ease. Bruising can appear and is normal.
• First week: most people experience manageable discomfort for around one week. Keep the area clean with gentle brushing. Avoid vigorous rinsing or poking the socket. Choose softer foods and avoid very hot or very cold items.
• When to call: if bleeding does not slow after firm pressure with clean gauze, pain is worsening after day three, you develop fever or spreading swelling, or there is a bad taste with increasing pain, contact us or NHS 111. If breathing or swallowing is affected, call 999 or go to A&E.

We provide written instructions and check in where appropriate. You will always know how to reach us if you are worried.

Private extraction fees in the UK

Fees vary with tooth type, complexity and whether surgical techniques are required. As a general UK guide:

• Simple single-tooth extraction: often from around £120 to £250
• Complex or surgical extraction, including sectioning or bone removal: often from around £250 to £450 or more
• X-rays and urgent assessment: typically an additional fee

These are indicative ranges only. Exact costs are confirmed after assessment and provided in a written, itemised treatment plan. If you are comparing dentist costs for private care, request written details of what is included.

You can see our current fee guidance and request a written quote after your urgent assessment on our treatment fees page. We are transparent about pricing and happy to explain options.

Support for nervous or pain-sensitive patients

Feeling anxious is common, especially when you are in pain. Our team is known for:

• Calm explanations before each step, in plain English
• The option to pause at any point and take a breath
• Gentle technique with frequent comfort checks

Many of our reviews mention pain-free or minimally painful experiences, a spotless, welcoming environment, and friendly reception and clinical teams who put you at ease. If you are nervous, tell us when you call. We will tailor the visit and take things at your pace.

How we help fast, the same day where possible

When you ring with toothache, our reception team will triage your symptoms, provide safe first-aid guidance and aim to offer a same-day slot. During your visit, a clinician assesses the cause, relieves pain, and discusses immediate and longer-term solutions. After treatment, we give clear written aftercare and check in if needed. If you are looking for experienced dentists in East Grinstead for urgent help, we are here for you.

For ongoing care once you are comfortable, our general dentistry team supports preventive routines to reduce the risk of future flare-ups. If you later choose to explore cosmetic improvements, our cosmetic dentistry service plans treatments carefully around your oral health.

Quick FAQ

• What is classed as a dental emergency? Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, facial trauma with heavy bleeding or suspected fractures, high fever with facial swelling, or severe unrelenting pain. If breathing or swallowing is affected, call 999 or go to A&E.
• Can I go to the GP or A&E with toothache? GPs cannot provide dental treatment, but they can advise on general health issues. For dental pain without red-flag symptoms, contact a dentist or NHS 111. Go to A&E only for breathing or swallowing problems, significant trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or spreading infection with systemic symptoms.
• How long does a tooth extraction take? The procedure itself is often around 10 to 20 minutes. Including assessment, X-ray, numbing and aftercare instructions, plan for about 20 to 40 minutes in total. Complex cases can take longer.
• How much does a tooth extraction cost privately in the UK? Simple extractions often start around £120 to £250, and complex or surgical cases from £250 to £450 or more, plus assessment and X-rays. Costs are confirmed after examination and provided in a written plan.

A gentle next step

If toothache is keeping you from your day, call us now for a same-day urgent assessment where possible. We will give you clear answers, fast pain relief where we can, and a written plan so you know exactly what comes next.

Helpful links:

• Learn how we support urgent cases, including what to expect at your visit, on our emergency care page.
• See current guidance on private fees and request a written quote after your assessment.