Emergency dentist cost in the UK, 2026
An urgent NHS appointment is £27.90, or free if you are exempt. A private emergency appointment typically costs £80 to £400 for examination and temporary treatment, with any permanent work charged on top.
Dental emergency right now?
Call NHS 111 (or use 111 online) if you cannot get hold of a dentist. They can book an urgent NHS appointment, cost £27.90.
Go to A&E for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop after 20 minutes of pressure, or a facial injury.
NHS emergency cost
Urgent NHS dental treatment is a single charge of £27.90, the same whether you are seen by your own dentist or an urgent dental centre booked through NHS 111. It is free if you are exempt from NHS charges. The charge covers assessment and treatment to deal with the immediate problem; any follow up treatment is a new course at the normal band rate.
Private emergency cost
Most private practices keep same day emergency slots. The appointment itself is typically £80 to £400, covering examination and temporary relief such as settling pain or a temporary filling. Permanent treatment is charged separately. London runs 25 to 40% above the national figures.
If you need treatment afterwards
| Treatment | Low | Typical | High | NHS option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (composite) filling | £75 | £150 | £280 | Band 2, £76.60 |
| Tooth extraction (simple) | £90 | £160 | £292 | Band 2, £76.60 |
| Root canal treatment | £179 | £450 | £900 | Band 2, £76.60 |
| Crown | £350 | £720 | £995 | Band 3, £332.10 |
| Emergency appointment (private) | £80 | £200 | £400 | Urgent, £27.90 |
Private figures: national low, median and high from a survey of 2,000+ UK practices (treatcompare.com, March 2026); composite bonding and emergency appointment from dentistcost.co.uk guideline ranges (September 2026). London typically runs 25 to 40% above the median.
Common questions
How much does an emergency dentist cost on the NHS?
An urgent NHS dental appointment is £27.90, or free if you are exempt from NHS charges. It covers dealing with the immediate problem, such as pain, swelling or a broken tooth.
How much is a private emergency dentist?
Typically £80 to £400 for the emergency appointment, covering examination and temporary treatment. Any permanent work, such as a filling, crown or extraction, is charged on top at the practice's normal rates.
Does NHS 111 charge for a dental appointment?
Calling 111 is free. The urgent dental appointment it books for you is £27.90, unless you are exempt from NHS charges.
Is emergency dental treatment free on the NHS?
It is free if you are exempt (under 18, pregnant, on qualifying benefits); otherwise you pay the urgent band of £27.90.
Get quotes before you commit
For implants, veneers, aligners and crowns, prices vary two to three fold between practices for the same treatment. Ask two or three for a written treatment plan with the total cost and what is excluded.
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