People across Norfolk and Waveney who need urgent dental care are being encouraged to come forward, as extra NHS dental appointments are available now.

The additional appointments are for people who do not have a regular dentist and need urgent or unscheduled dental treatment. These appointments form part of a national programme delivering 700,000 extra urgent dental appointments, announced by the government last year.

Appointments are available for urgent conditions including:

• Severe toothache that cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain relief
• Dental abscesses causing pain, swelling or fever
• Broken or knocked-out teeth
• Bleeding following dental treatment or injury that does not stop on its own
• Significant swelling of the mouth or face
• Fractured, loose or displaced fillings causing pain
• Severe bleeding from the gums, or urgent conditions affecting soft tissues such as the tongue or cheeks

Other treatments may be available at the dentist’s discretion and may require additional visits or costs.

How to access urgent dental care

People who need urgent dental care should contact NHS 111 online or by phone. You do not need to be registered with a dental practice to access this service.

Sadie Parker, Director of Primary Care for NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said:

“We know how distressing urgent dental problems can be, and we don’t want people putting off getting help. We currently have urgent dental appointments available locally, and we would really encourage anyone who needs care now to come forward and use them.”

She added:

“Accessing care is straightforward through NHS 111, and you don’t need to be registered with a dentist. If you’re in pain, experiencing swelling, or worried about an urgent dental problem, please don’t wait.”

Commenting on wider improvements to dental services across Norfolk and Waveney, Sadie said:

“We’ve continued to make progress in improving access to NHS dental care locally, with 51 local dental providers offering urgent appointments across Norfolk and Waveney.  We’ve also expanded services for children and patients with complex medical needs, opened child-focused practices, and welcomed new dental professionals into our local NHS.”

She added:

“Alongside these extra urgent appointments, we are continuing to work locally and nationally to strengthen the dental workforce through recruitment, retention and training, so we can keep improving access for our communities.”

For more information about NHS dental services across Norfolk and Waveney, visit the NHS Norfolk and Waveney website.