A dental emergency is any oral health problem that requires immediate professional treatment to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, save a tooth or treat an infection. At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we provide emergency dental appointments at both SW6 practices — often on the same day you call.
Not every dental problem is an emergency. Knowing the difference between an urgent issue and one that can wait for a routine appointment helps you act quickly when it matters and avoid unnecessary panic when it does not.
The following symptoms indicate you should contact an emergency dentist without delay:
| Symptom | Why It Is Urgent |
|---|---|
| Severe toothache that does not respond to painkillers | May indicate an abscess or infection spreading to surrounding tissue |
| Knocked-out tooth | Reimplantation is most successful within 30-60 minutes |
| Broken, cracked or fractured tooth | Exposed nerve can cause extreme pain and risk infection |
| Facial swelling | Often a sign of dental abscess that can become a serious medical emergency |
| Persistent bleeding from the mouth | May indicate trauma, post-extraction complications or gum disease |
| Broken orthodontic wire | Loose wires can damage soft tissue inside the mouth |
| Lost crown or filling | Leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable |
| Jaw injury or difficulty opening the mouth | Could indicate fracture or dislocation |
If you experience any of these symptoms, call Pure Smiles on 020 7736 6276 immediately. learn more
Some dental issues are uncomfortable but do not require immediate treatment. These are not emergencies but should still be addressed at a routine appointment:
If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, call us. Our team can assess your symptoms over the phone and advise whether you need an emergency appointment or can wait for a scheduled visit.
Taking the right steps before you reach the dentist can make a significant difference to the outcome — especially for knocked-out teeth and fractures.
| Emergency | What to Do Immediately |
|---|---|
| Knocked-out adult tooth | Pick up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, place back in the socket or store in milk. Get to a dentist within 60 minutes |
| Severe toothache | Take ibuprofen (if suitable), apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek, avoid hot or cold foods |
| Broken tooth | Rinse mouth with warm water, apply gauze to any bleeding, use a cold compress for swelling |
| Facial swelling | Seek urgent dental or medical attention — do not ignore swelling as it can indicate a spreading infection |
| Bleeding after extraction | Bite firmly on clean gauze for 20 minutes, avoid rinsing, spitting or hot drinks |
| Lost crown | Keep the crown safe, apply dental cement or sugar-free gum as a temporary measure |
At Pure Smiles, an emergency dental appointment follows the same professional standard as a routine visit. Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) and the team will:
1. Assess your condition — clinical examination and X-rays if needed to identify the problem
2. Relieve your pain — local anaesthetic, drainage of infection or temporary restoration as appropriate
3. Explain your options — clear discussion of immediate treatment and any follow-up needed
4. Provide treatment — same-day treatment wherever possible to resolve the issue
Emergency appointments are available during practice hours, and we prioritise urgent cases to minimise your wait. Both Fulham practices are equipped to handle a full range of dental emergencies.
| Practice | Address |
|---|---|
| New Kings Road | 257 New Kings Road, Fulham, SW6 4RB |
| Fulham Road | 750a Fulham Road, Fulham, SW6 5SH |
| Phone | 020 7736 6276 |
While some emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with routine care:
Yes. We prioritise emergency cases and aim to see urgent patients on the same day wherever possible. Call 020 7736 6276 as early in the day as you can.
Handle the tooth by the crown only, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot do this, store it in milk — not water. Get to a dentist within 60 minutes for the best chance of successful reimplantation.
Emergency appointment fees depend on the treatment required. We will always explain costs before proceeding with treatment. Pure Smiles offers both NHS and private emergency care.
Hospital A&E departments can manage facial trauma and serious infections but generally do not provide dental treatment such as fillings, extractions or reimplantation. A dental practice equipped for emergencies, such as Pure Smiles, is almost always the better option for dental-specific problems.
