Dental pain, swelling, or damage can occur suddenly — sometimes when immediate dental assessment is not yet possible. While temporary measures cannot replace professional treatment, certain actions can help reduce discomfort and prevent problems from worsening before you are seen.
This page explains safe, short-term steps you can take before an emergency dental appointment, and just as importantly, what you should not do.This advice forms part of our wider emergency dental care guidance, which explains how urgent dental problems are assessed, prioritised, and managed safely.
All guidance here is intended for temporary support only, not treatment.
Temporary measures depend on the type of dental problem involved. Choose the situation below that best matches your symptoms.
You may be able to reduce irritation and sensitivity by:
Do not:
These actions can cause permanent damage.
If a filling or crown comes out:
Do not:
DIY repairs often worsen fractures.
Short-term relief may include:
Avoid:
Persistent or worsening pain usually requires urgent assessment.
Before you are seen:
Never:
If swelling spreads toward the eye, throat, or neck, seek urgent medical advice immediately.
A knocked-out tooth is a time-critical dental emergency and should be assessed as quickly as possible.
Do not let the tooth dry out or delay care.
If a tooth feels loose:
Movement can worsen ligament damage.
To control bleeding:
Do not:
If bleeding does not slow after 30 minutes, urgent care is needed.
Temporary comfort may include:
Avoid smoking, straws, or placing substances into the socket.
Professional treatment is still required.
Before your visit:
Do not use glue or attempt reshaping.
Temporary measures are not appropriate if you experience:
These symptoms require prompt professional assessment.
Guidance on urgency is available here: What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
The advice on this page is intended to help you stay comfortable and avoid further problems until you are seen by a dentist. It cannot replace a professional examination or treatment.
If your symptoms worsen, or If you believe urgent assessment may be required, information about seeing an emergency dentist is available through the emergency care pathway.
Temporary fixes help — but they are not a substitute for treatment.
We offer same-day emergency appointments for patients across Deepcar, Stocksbridge, Oughtibridge, Wadsley, Sheffield North and Barnsley.
Whether you’re in pain, swollen or have broken a tooth, we’re here to help.