Need an emergency dentist in Purley? What to do when dental pain strikes

By Dr Punita Shah, Principal Dentist at Foxley Lane Dental, additional training in aesthetic and restorative dentistry, GDC No. 284617

Quick answer

Looking for an emergency dentist? Purley patients with severe toothache, swelling, a broken tooth or a knocked-out tooth can call Foxley Lane Dental on 020 8660 0415, and we'll always aim to see you the same day. Emergency appointments start from £55, and you don't need to be registered with us. If swelling is affecting your breathing, swallowing or your eye, go to A&E or call 999.

Key takeaways

• Same-day emergency appointments for adults and children, from £55, subject to availability
• You don't need to be an existing patient to be seen
• A knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of being saved if you're seen within the hour
• Swelling that affects breathing, swallowing or your vision needs A&E, not a dentist
• Outside our opening hours, NHS 111 can direct you to urgent dental care in Purley and nearby

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any problem that needs urgent attention to ease pain, stop an infection spreading or save a tooth. A dental emergency in Purley is something we aim to see the same day, so don't wait to call. These are the most common reasons patients contact us.

• Severe toothache that painkillers aren't controlling
• Swelling in the gum, face or jaw, which can be a sign of a dental abscess
• A broken, cracked or painful chipped tooth
• A tooth that's been knocked out
• A lost filling, crown or bridge, especially if it's painful
• Bleeding after an accident, a sports injury or a recent extraction
• Pain following previous dental treatment

If you're not sure whether it's urgent, you're welcome to call us. We'll ask a few questions, let you know whether you need to be seen today, and guide you on what to do before you arrive.

What to do in the first hour

What you do straight away can make a real difference, especially when a tooth has been damaged. If you need a dentist open today in Purley, call us first and we'll find the soonest appointment we can.

Knocked-out tooth, what to do

If an adult tooth has been knocked out, act quickly, as prompt treatment offers the best chance of saving it. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root. If it's dirty, rinse it gently in milk or saline without scrubbing. If possible, gently place it back into its socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If not, keep it in milk or saliva in a clean container and call us immediately. Never reinsert a baby tooth, but arrange urgent dental care for your child.

If a tooth is broken or chipped

If you've broken or chipped a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any fragments in milk or saliva in a clean container. A cold compress against your cheek can help reduce swelling. A small, painless chip may not need emergency treatment, but you should still arrange a dental appointment. If the tooth is badly broken, painful or causing significant discomfort, contact us for urgent advice. Our emergency dentist in Purley can assess the damage and explain your treatment options.

If you have toothache

Toothache in Purley is one of the most common reasons people call us urgently, and bad pain is never something to push through. Rinse with warm salty water and gently floss around the tooth in case food is trapped. Over-the-counter painkillers can help, taken as the packet directs, and a pharmacist can advise you on what's suitable. Don't put aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue.

If a filling or crown has come out

Keep the crown safe and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side, and don't use household glue to stick it back. A broken filling or a lost crown isn't always painful, but the tooth underneath is more exposed, so a broken filling in Purley is best looked at quickly, before the tooth chips further.

If you think you have a dental abscess

A dental abscess is an infection that usually shows as throbbing pain, swelling or a bad taste in your mouth. Don't try to burst it. Rinse with warm salty water, take painkillers as the packet directs and call us, because a dental abscess in Purley needs treating quickly to stop the infection spreading.

When to go to A&E instead

Some situations need a hospital rather than a dental surgery. Go to A&E or call 999 in any of these situations.

• Swelling that's affecting your breathing or swallowing
• Swelling that's spreading towards your eye or down your neck
• Heavy bleeding that won't stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
• A serious injury to your face or jaw

A&E won't usually remove a tooth or treat routine toothache, as they don't have dentists on hand, so for most urgent dental care in Purley the quickest help is an emergency dental appointment with us.

What happens at your emergency appointment

Your appointment usually lasts around 30 minutes, and the first aim is to get you out of pain.

• We assess the problem: Your dentist examines the area and may take an x-ray to see what's happening below the surface.
• We relieve the pain: That might mean draining an infection, placing a temporary filling, smoothing a sharp edge or settling an inflamed nerve.
• We plan what comes next: If you need further treatment, such as a crown, root canal or a replacement tooth, we'll explain your options and the costs before anything is booked.

We're experienced with nervous patients and children too, so if you're anxious, tell us when you call and we'll take things at your pace. Read more about how we support nervous patients.

How much does an emergency dentist cost in Purley?

An emergency appointment at Foxley Lane Dental starts from £55, for new and existing patients. Any treatment you need after that is quoted before we start, and you'll find our full fees on our costs page.

Do I need to be registered to see an emergency dentist?

Do I need to be registered to see an emergency dentist?

No, you don't need to be an existing patient to book a private emergency dental appointment at Foxley Lane Dental. As an emergency dentist in Purley, we welcome adults and children from Purley, South Croydon, Coulsdon, Banstead, Kenley, Selsdon, Wallington and nearby areas.

Private emergency appointments start from £55, and we always aim to see patients the same day, subject to availability. We also provide NHS dental care, although NHS appointments are subject to eligibility and availability. If you're looking for urgent NHS dental care, please contact us to discuss your options or call NHS 111.

How to avoid a dental emergency

Not every emergency can be prevented, but many start as small problems that grow. Regular check-ups and hygienist visits catch decay and gum problems early. A custom mouthguard protects teeth during contact sports, and a niggling ache is best looked at before it turns into something more painful.

Book an emergency dental appointment in Purley

If you're in pain, you can call our Purley practice on 020 8660 0415 and we'll do everything we can to see you today. You can also find us at 49 Foxley Lane, close to Purley station, with free parking on site. More about our emergency dentist service in Purley.