What to Do When You Have a Dental Emergency in Wakefield
Dental emergencies can happen suddenly and often when you least expect them. Whether you have a severe toothache, a broken filling, or facial swelling, knowing what to do can make a significant difference in how quickly your pain can be relieved.
At Emergency Dentist Wakefield we provide prompt, professional care for patients who need urgent dental treatment- even if they are not registered with a dentist.
What We Consider A Dental Emergency
A dental emergency is any situation involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, prevent further damage/ infection, or to stop bleeding.
You should contact a dentist as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or persistent toothache (which may or may not improve with pain relief)
- Facial swelling or swelling around the jaw
- Trauma that has caused a broken or knocked-out tooth
- Bleeding that will not stop after an extraction or injury
- Sudden damage to a crown, bridge, or filling causing pain or sharp edges
- A chipped or broken veneer or other cosmetic restoration that affects the appearance of your smile or causes discomfort
- Pain or swelling after recent dental treatment that is worsening rather than improving
Even if the issue seems mainly cosmetic, such as a damaged veneer or chipped tooth, it can still be considered urgent. Cosmetic damage can sometimes expose sensitive tooth surfaces or impact your confidence. As a private clinic, we are happy to see patients who feel their concern is an emergency or requires prompt attention.
If you are unsure whether your problem requires urgent care, it is always best to call. Our team can advise whether you need to be seen the same day or if a routine appointment would be more appropriate.
What to Do Before You See a Dentist
While waiting for your emergency appointment, there are some practical steps you can take to relieve discomfort and prevent the situation from worsening.
- Pain relief: Take over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable for you. Always follow the dosage instructions and avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth.
- Rinse your mouth: A warm saltwater rinse can help to cleanse the area and reduce bacteria.
- Cold compress: If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time.
- Lost filling or crown: If a restoration has fallen out, avoid chewing on that side. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy may offer short-term protection until you can see a dentist but is not a necessity.
- Knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root). If clean, gently place it back into the socket and bite down on a clean cloth. If this is not possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva and bring it with you. In such an instance you should arrange an appointment as soon as possible- ideally within one hour.
- Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth and keep any fragments to show your dentist.
- Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth, or a wet teabag. If bleeding continues beyond 15 minutes, seek urgent care.
Avoid eating hard foods or using that part of your mouth until you have been seen.
This advice is provided for general guidance and should not be taken as specific dental or medical advice. Every case is unique, and treatment requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or any other dental concern, please contact a qualified dental professional for a personalised assessment.
How to Access an Emergency Dentist in Wakefield
At Emergency Dentist Wakefield, we offer same-day appointments (subject to availability) and are open on Saturdays to help patients who need urgent dental care outside of normal hours.
You do not need to be a registered patient, new patients are welcome.
Our clinic provides:
- Immediate appointments for dental emergencies
- A calm, reassuring environment for nervous patients
- Free on-site parking and easy access from the M1
- Modern facilities and experienced clinicians
To arrange an appointment, please call 01924 255412 or book online – click here.
Appointments can book up quickly, so please don’t delay contacting us.
If your pain becomes severe or swelling spreads rapidly, call immediately so we can prioritise your care.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies
While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, many can be anticipated and prevented with regular check ups.
We recommend:
- Attending routine dental examinations every six months (or at an appropriate interval advised by a dentist)
- Scheduling regular hygiene appointments to remove plaque and tartar
- Wearing a custom-made mouthguard for contact sports
- Avoiding using your teeth as a tool to open packaging or bottles
- Maintaining a balanced diet low in sugar and acidic foods
- Replacing worn fillings or crowns before they fail (as advised at routine dental check ups)
Prevention is always better than cure. Regular visits allow your dentist to identify potential problems early and help you avoid pain or unexpected treatment. After your emergency appointment you are invited to register with the practice for this routine care.
Cosmetic Dental Emergencies
If you have chipped a veneer or front tooth and require immediate assistance, our team of experienced dental professionals can help. We understand that a chipped front tooth/restoration can be unsightly and potentially uncomfortable, we are dedicated to providing you with the care you need to restore your smile.
Even if the situation isn’t painful, it can still be considered urgent- especially if the damage affects your appearance or confidence. As a private clinic, we are happy to see patients who feel their concern is an emergency despite like of pain, or requires prompt attention. Simply contact us and we’ll do our best to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
When to Seek Hospital Care
In rare cases, a dental emergency may become a medical emergency.
Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department if you experience:
Swelling that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow
- Bleeding that will not stop despite pressure
- Severe trauma to the face or jaw
- Signs of sepsis
Otherwise, most dental emergencies can and should be managed by a dentist rather than a hospital.
Our Commitment to Urgent Dental Care in Wakefield
We understand how distressing dental pain can be. Our priority is to relieve discomfort, diagnose the cause, and provide effective treatment to manage symptoms as quickly as possible.
Whether it’s repairing a chipped tooth, replacing a broken filling, or treating an infection, our experienced clinicians use deliver safe, efficient care.
If you have a dental emergency, please contact Emergency Dentist Wakefield today for advice or to book a same-day appointment – book online here.
We are conveniently located in Sandal, Wakefield, with free parking and easy access from the M1.
Call 01924 255412 – appointments are limited and fill quickly, so please contact us as soon as possible to secure your slot.
Important Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general guidance and should not be taken as specific dental or medical advice. Every case is unique, and treatment requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or any other dental concern, please contact a qualified dental professional for a personalised assessment.