Toothache or an abyss.
Sharp, constant tooth pain is a sign that something is wrong in your mouth. Common causes for sharp pain include infections that have reached the tooth’s pulp, a tooth abscess, where the gum around the tooth will be very painful to touch, or a cracked or fractured tooth. If the pain is more gum-related, then you may have advanced gum disease.
If your tooth or gum ache lasts more than two days, then it is best to make a trip to the dentist, especially if pain killers are not stopping the pain and/or the pain is getting worse.
Tooth pain is one of the worst pains to try and manage, and often it is better to go see a professional dentist immediately. Emergency appointments with dentists vary in price, so shop around unless it is the weekend, when you are severely limited and may have to see an NHS dentist. Please be aware that this is an emergency appointment to relieve pain wherever possible. The dentist is likely to remove the tooth rather than attempt to save it. This is called a tooth extraction.

Problems that require a dentist include
- Wisdom tooth pain
- Toothache (more than 48 hours)
- Chipped and broken teeth
- Lost fillings
- Loose crowns
- Gum infection
- Dental abscess
- Dental injury
If you can wait till Monday, then you have a wider choice of dentists
In the private sector, an emergency dental appointment costs between £49 and £350. Remember also to check what is included.
- Are X-rays included?
- Are anti-biotics and or Nurofen included?
- Are there any hidden changes?
AJE recommends
- MyoDental in Surrey (emergency dental service is available to all ages, from children to older adults)
- NHS Emergency Dentists in Cardiff (Adults only)
- All NHS emergency options in Scotland (All the family)
- NHS inform: Toothache
- Tooth Club: Emergency dentist
- Emergency dentist UK urgent care guide
UK dental guide covering urgent dental care, common emergencies, costs and what patients can do when tooth pain needs quick attention.