Thousands of extra urgent dental appointments available to relieve dental pain 

NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB and local dental practices have come together to provide a further 19,000 urgent dental appointments across the area. 

These additional appointments are in place to support people with pain caused by dental issues, including infections or knocked-out teeth, that require urgent treatment. 

Samantha Braddock, Dental and Oral Clinical Lead at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said:  

“We know how important timely access to urgent dental care is for both health and wellbeing. These additional appointments will mean more people can get the treatment they need, when they need it – helping to relieve pain, prevent complications, and avoid unnecessary discomfort. It’s an important step in supporting people to stay well and avoid dental issues from escalating.” 

Through this offer of urgent dental appointments, practices will be able to support people with painful or worrying problems that aren’t life-threatening but still need treatment urgently. This may include:  

  • Swelling or infections in the face or mouth that are getting worse (but not affecting breathing) 
  • Severe dental or facial pain that can’t be eased with normal painkillers 
  • Broken or badly moved teeth after an accident 
  • Knocked-out baby teeth 
  • Facial injuries that may need a hospital check 
  • Bleeding in the mouth that you cannot stop  
  • Gum or mouth infections, like painful or rapidly worsening gum disease or cold sore outbreaks 

These appointments, although not urgent, may also be eligible for NHS dental treatment if you have any of the following dental issues: 

  •  Mild to moderate toothache that responds to painkillers  
  • Small dental injuries, like a bumped tooth, that may need checking  
  • Minor bleeding after having a tooth out that you can stop yourself  
  • Loose or broken crowns, bridges, or veneers that aren’t affecting breathing  
  • Dentures or other dental appliances that don’t fit right and are uncomfortable  
  • Broken fillings or parts of teeth  
  • Teeth that are wobbly but not at risk of falling out  
  • Small swellings that aren’t spreading  
  • Sensitive areas on the teeth or gums  

 People will be able to access these appointments by contacting their usual NHS dental practice, using the ICB website to find a local practice or calling NHS 111 if they do not have a regular dentist or need help out of hours.  

While all NHS dental practices provide urgent appointments, the following practices are providing a collective 19,000 extra urgent appointments. 

Bristol 

North Somerset 

 South Gloucestershire 

 While some adults are eligible for free dental care, most adults will be charged £27.40 for urgent dental appointments. 

Find out more about local dental services.