Emergency Dentist in Dublin

Severe or worsening toothache, facial or gum swelling, a suspected dental abscess, a knocked-out adult tooth, a badly broken tooth and dental trauma all need prompt advice. A lost filling or crown may also be urgent when the tooth is painful, sharp or vulnerable to further damage. Bleeding that does not settle after an extraction should be assessed promptly. Phone +353 85 102 4218 rather than waiting to see whether significant symptoms disappear.

Pain alone does not show exactly what is wrong. Decay, a cracked tooth, inflammation inside a tooth, gum infection and an abscess can feel similar, while swelling may indicate that infection is spreading. An abscess does not reliably resolve without dental treatment, even if it drains and the pain temporarily improves. Fever, increasing swelling, difficulty opening the mouth or feeling generally unwell makes assessment more urgent.

Not every problem can be completed in one visit. The first priority is to diagnose the source, control immediate pain or infection risk and protect damaged tissue. Definitive treatment may involve a restoration, root canal treatment, extraction or another procedure after the dentist has examined the tooth and discussed the options; the price of treatment not listed on this page is confirmed at the consultation.

For severe toothache or swelling, contact the clinic promptly, keep the area gently clean and use a cold pack against the outside of the face for short periods if comfortable. Do not put aspirin, pain-relief tablets or irritant substances directly on the gum or tooth. Over-the-counter pain relief may help if it is safe for you, but follow the packet instructions and ask a pharmacist if you have medical conditions, take other medicines, are pregnant or are unsure. Do not exceed the stated dose.

For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it only by the crown, not the root. If visibly dirty, rinse it briefly and gently without scrubbing. If it slips back into the socket easily, hold it in place; otherwise keep it moist in milk and come in immediately after phoning. Do not let it dry and do not reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth. For a broken tooth, save any fragments, rinse the mouth gently, apply a cold pack outside the face and avoid biting on that side.

If a filling or crown comes out, keep the crown or fragment safe, avoid chewing on the tooth and do not use household glue. For bleeding after an extraction, place clean folded gauze over the socket and bite with steady pressure for 20 to 30 minutes while sitting upright; do not repeatedly remove it to check. Avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking, alcohol and strenuous activity. If firm pressure does not control the bleeding, seek urgent help.

Go to a hospital emergency department, or call emergency services when necessary, if facial swelling is closing an eye or affecting breathing or swallowing. These signs can indicate a spreading infection that needs hospital-level assessment. Do not wait for the dental clinic to open and do not drive yourself if you are seriously unwell.

Hospital care is also appropriate for uncontrolled or heavy bleeding, especially with dizziness, weakness or blood-thinning medication. Continue firm pressure with clean gauze while arranging help unless a clinician advises otherwise. Tell the hospital team about medicines, allergies, recent dental treatment and any known bleeding condition.

Dental trauma accompanied by loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, severe headache, neck pain or another suspected head injury belongs in an emergency department. Significant facial wounds or a possible jaw fracture also need hospital assessment. A dental clinic can address tooth injuries once serious head, airway and facial injuries have been assessed.

The dentist will ask when symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, whether there has been trauma, and whether you have swelling, fever, altered sensation or difficulty swallowing. Bring a list of medicines and allergies, and mention blood thinners, pregnancy and important medical conditions. The dentist then examines the teeth, gums and surrounding tissues and may test the affected tooth.

Imaging is used only when clinically helpful. A periapical X-ray costs €30 and shows a focused area around one or several teeth; an OPG X-ray costs €70 and provides a broader view of the jaws and teeth. The emergency examination costs €100. The dentist will explain the likely diagnosis, immediate priorities, treatment choices and relevant risks before proceeding.

Treatment can be uncomfortable when tissue is inflamed, although local anaesthetic is used where appropriate. Very inflamed teeth can sometimes be more difficult to numb fully, so tell the dentist if you still feel sharp pain. Depending on the findings, immediate care may include cleaning or dressing the area, placing a temporary filling, draining infection where appropriate, smoothing a sharp edge or removing a tooth that cannot reasonably be saved.

Emergency treatment is often staged. The first visit aims to reduce pain, manage immediate risk and stabilise the tooth; the permanent repair or other definitive treatment may follow once the diagnosis is clear and acute symptoms are controlled. Antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment and are not routinely needed for toothache alone. They may be prescribed when there are signs of spreading infection or systemic illness, based on clinical assessment.

A temporary filling costs €50. If extraction is the agreed treatment, a routine extraction costs €150 – €200 and a surgical extraction costs €200 – €350. Whether an extraction is routine or surgical can only be established after examination and, where needed, imaging. Fees for other definitive treatments are confirmed during the consultation rather than estimated in advance.

Follow the written advice provided for your particular treatment. After an extraction, some soreness and light oozing can occur; avoid disturbing the clot and take only pain relief that is safe for you. Contact the clinic if pain or swelling worsens, bleeding restarts or you develop fever, a bad taste or difficulty opening your mouth. Seek hospital emergency care immediately if swelling affects your eye, breathing or swallowing, or if bleeding remains uncontrolled.