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18 September 2026

Emergency Dentist in Leicester: What to Do If You Have Severe Tooth Pain

Emergency Dentist in Leicester: What to Do If You Have Severe Tooth Pain

Severe tooth pain can happen unexpectedly and make it difficult to eat, sleep, work or concentrate. If you’re searching for an emergency dentist in Leicester or the surrounding areas, you may be looking for immediate advice on what to do and where to get urgent dental care.

At Fleckney Dental, we understand how stressful severe toothache can be. Our dental practice is conveniently located at 7 School Street, Fleckney, Leicester, LE8 8AS, making us ideally placed for patients in Fleckney, Leicester and surrounding areas including Great Glen, Wigston, Oadby, Blaby, Countesthorpe, Lutterworth and Market Harborough.

We offer same-day urgent dental appointments where possible, helping patients get their dental pain assessed and treated promptly.

In this guide, we’ll explain what counts as a dental emergency, what you can do if you have severe tooth pain, when you need urgent dental treatment and how an emergency dentist can help.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is a dental problem that needs prompt assessment or treatment because of severe pain, infection, swelling, bleeding or an injury.

Common dental emergencies include:

  • Severe or persistent toothache
  • A suspected dental abscess
  • Significant swelling around the face, jaw or gums
  • A broken or badly damaged tooth
  • A knocked-out permanent tooth
  • A loose tooth following an injury
  • Severe pain when biting or chewing
  • A broken or lost filling causing significant pain
  • A damaged or loose crown
  • Severe pain following dental treatment
  • Wisdom tooth pain or infection

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, it’s important not to simply hope that it disappears. Toothache can be caused by problems such as tooth decay, infection, a cracked tooth or inflammation inside or around the tooth.

Getting the problem assessed promptly can help prevent it from becoming more serious.

Looking for an emergency dentist in Leicester?

If you’re based in Leicester or the surrounding areas of Fleckney, Fleckney Dental provides urgent dental appointments for patients experiencing dental emergencies.

We offer same-day urgent dental appointments where possible, with emergency appointments starting from £38 for an initial pain assessment. Any additional treatment required can be discussed with you following your assessment.

What should I do if I have severe tooth pain?

If you suddenly develop severe toothache, the most important thing is to arrange a dental assessment.

While waiting for your appointment, there are some steps that may help you manage your symptoms.

1. Contact an emergency dentist

If your tooth pain is severe, persistent or interfering with your sleep or everyday activities, contact a dentist as soon as possible.

An emergency dental appointment allows your dentist to investigate the cause of your pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

At Fleckney Dental, our urgent appointments include an assessment of the painful area, an explanation of the likely problem and advice about the available treatment options. Where possible, we aim to provide relief during the same visit.

2. Take appropriate pain relief

Over-the-counter painkillers may provide temporary relief from dental pain for some people.

Always follow the instructions on the packaging and make sure the medication is suitable for you. If you’re uncertain, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

Never place aspirin directly against your tooth or gums, as this can damage the soft tissues.

3. Avoid chewing on the painful side

If chewing makes your tooth hurt, try to use the opposite side of your mouth.

Soft foods can also be easier to manage while you’re waiting for dental treatment.

4. Avoid foods that trigger the pain

Very hot, cold, sweet or hard foods may make toothache worse.

If you notice that a particular food or drink triggers your symptoms, avoid it until your tooth has been assessed.

5. Don’t ignore pain that temporarily disappears

Dental pain can sometimes improve temporarily without the underlying problem being resolved.

For example, a tooth affected by decay, infection or damage may stop hurting for a period of time before symptoms return.

If you’ve experienced severe or recurring toothache, it’s still important to have the tooth examined.

What causes severe toothache?

There are several possible reasons why a tooth may suddenly become extremely painful.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothache.

As decay progresses deeper into the tooth, it can cause increasing sensitivity and pain. If the decay reaches the inner part of the tooth, the pain can become severe and may require more extensive treatment.

Regular dental examinations can help identify decay before it develops into a dental emergency.

Dental abscess or infection

A dental abscess is an infection that causes a collection of pus around a tooth or in the surrounding gum.

Symptoms can include:

  • Severe toothache
  • Pain when biting
  • Swelling around the tooth or face
  • A bad taste in the mouth
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Sensitivity
  • Fever or feeling generally unwell

If you think you may have a dental abscess, seek urgent dental advice.

Cracked or broken tooth

A cracked tooth can cause sharp or severe pain, particularly when biting or chewing.

Teeth can become cracked following an injury, biting something hard, grinding your teeth or general wear and tear.

Some cracks are difficult to see, so unexplained tooth pain should be assessed by a dentist.

Damaged filling

If you’ve previously had a filling, the filling can become worn, loose or damaged.

You may notice pain when biting, sensitivity or discomfort when eating.

Your dentist can examine the filling and determine whether it needs to be repaired, replaced or whether the tooth requires further treatment.

Dental crown problems

A crown can occasionally become loose, damaged or detached.

If this happens and you’re experiencing significant pain, contact a dentist for advice rather than attempting to permanently fix the crown yourself.

Gum disease

Advanced gum disease can affect the tissues supporting your teeth.

Symptoms can include bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, loose teeth and, in some cases, infections or abscesses.

Regular dental care and good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of gum disease becoming severe.

When should I see an emergency dentist?

You should seek urgent dental advice if you have severe or persistent tooth pain, especially if the pain is affecting your sleep, eating or normal daily activities.

You should also seek urgent dental care if you experience:

  • Significant swelling around your mouth or face
  • A suspected dental infection or abscess
  • A broken or knocked-out permanent tooth
  • Severe pain following a dental injury
  • A loose tooth following trauma
  • Significant bleeding
  • A damaged crown or filling causing severe pain
  • Pain that isn’t improving with appropriate pain relief

At Fleckney Dental, our emergency dental service covers a range of urgent problems, including worsening toothache, dental infections, wisdom tooth pain, damaged crowns, knocked-out or loose teeth and jaw swelling.

Dental emergency in Leicester: when should you go to A&E?

For most dental emergencies, a dentist is the appropriate healthcare professional because they can diagnose and treat the underlying dental problem.

However, some symptoms require emergency medical attention.

If swelling in your mouth, face or neck is affecting your ability to breathe, swallow or speak, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

Do not wait for a routine dental appointment if you are experiencing potentially life-threatening symptoms.

What happens during an emergency dental appointment?

When you attend an emergency dentist, the first priority is to understand what’s causing your pain and determine the most appropriate treatment.

At Fleckney Dental, an urgent appointment includes a comprehensive pain assessment. Your dentist will examine the problem area, discuss your symptoms and explain the available treatment options and associated costs. Where possible, the practice aims to provide relief during the same appointment.

Depending on the cause of your dental emergency, treatment may include:

  • Repairing a damaged tooth
  • Replacing or repairing a filling
  • Treating an infection
  • Root canal treatment
  • Treating a dental abscess
  • Repairing or replacing a crown
  • Removing a tooth where necessary
  • Providing temporary treatment before further restorative care

The appropriate treatment will depend on the condition of your tooth and your individual circumstances.

Emergency dentist near Fleckney, Leicester and surrounding areas

Fleckney Dental is conveniently located in Fleckney, Leicester, LE8 8AS, making the practice accessible for patients from a number of surrounding areas.

We welcome patients looking for urgent dental care from areas including but not limited:

  • Fleckney
  • Leicester
  • Great Glen
  • Wigston
  • Oadby
  • Blaby
  • Countesthorpe
  • Lutterworth
  • Market Harborough
  • Glen Parva
  • Kilby
  • Surrounding Leicestershire villages

How can I prevent a dental emergency?

Although not every dental emergency can be prevented, looking after your teeth and attending regular dental appointments can reduce your risk of many common problems.

Brush twice a day

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean carefully around your gumline.

Clean between your teeth

Use floss or interdental brushes to clean areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.

Attend regular dental check-ups

Routine examinations allow your dentist to identify problems such as decay, gum disease and damaged restorations before they potentially develop into emergencies.

Protect your teeth

If you play contact sports, wearing an appropriate mouthguard can help protect your teeth from injury.

Don’t use your teeth as tools

Avoid using your teeth to open packaging, bite hard objects or perform tasks they weren’t designed for.

Don’t ignore early symptoms

If you notice tooth sensitivity, pain when biting, a chipped tooth, a loose filling or recurring toothache, arrange a dental appointment.

Treating a problem early may help prevent it developing into a more serious dental emergency.

Why choose Fleckney Dental for emergency dental care?

When you’re in pain, you want to know that you’re going to a dental practice where your problem will be taken seriously.

Fleckney Dental is a local dental practice based in the heart of Fleckney, Leicester. The practice provides a wide range of general and cosmetic dental treatments as well as emergency dental care.

For patients experiencing urgent dental problems, we offer:

  • Same-day urgent appointments where possible
  • Emergency dental assessments
  • A convenient Fleckney location
  • Care for patients from Leicester and surrounding areas
  • Clear explanations of treatment options
  • Transparent pricing for emergency treatment

Our current emergency dental service states that same-day urgent appointments are available where possible and start from £38 for the initial assessment.

Emergency dentist Leicester can I find an emergency dentist in Leicester – frequently asked questions

Where can I find an emergency dentist in Leicester?

Fleckney Dental is located at 7 School Street, Fleckney, Leicester, LE8 8AS. The practice provides same-day urgent dental appointments where possible and welcomes patients from Fleckney, Leicester and surrounding areas.

Do you offer same-day emergency dental appointmentsYes. Fleckney Dental?

Yes. Fleckney Dental currently offers same-day urgent dental appointments where possible. Emergency appointments start from £38 for an initial pain assessment.

Do you treat patientsYes. Fleckney Dental welcomes from outside Fleckney?

Yes. Fleckney Dental welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Leicester, Great Glen, Wigston, Oadby, Blaby, Countesthorpe, Lutterworth and Market Harborough.

How much is an emergency dentist appointment at Fleckney Dental?

The practice currently advertises same-day urgent appointments from £38, which includes a comprehensive pain assessment. Any additional treatment required will be discussed with you following your assessment.

Can I see an emergency dentist if I’m not a regular patient?

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact Fleckney Dental to discuss your situation and appointment options. The practice states that it welcomes emergency enquiries from patients in the surrounding areas.

What should I do if my toothache is unbearable?

If you’re experiencing severe or worsening toothache, contact a dentist as soon as possible for an urgent assessment. While waiting, follow appropriate pain-relief guidance and avoid chewing on the affected side.

If you have severe swelling that affects your ability to breathe or swallow, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Don’t suffer with severe tooth pain

Severe toothache can be caused by a number of dental problems, including decay, infection, a cracked tooth, a damaged filling or gum disease.

If you’re searching for an emergency dentist in Leicester, Fleckney, or the surrounding areas, Fleckney Dental is conveniently located at 7 School Street, Fleckney, Leicester, LE8 8AS and offers same-day urgent dental appointments where possible.

Don’t put up with severe dental pain or hope that it will simply disappear.

Contact Fleckney Dental today  to discuss your dental emergency and arrange an urgent appointment.

Emergency appointments: Same-day where possible

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