If you are in pain right now, you want clear information, not marketing. This page explains, honestly, what the NHS offers when you have a dental emergency, what private same-day care looks like, and how to decide which is right for you.

What the NHS offers in a dental emergency

• NHS 111 (dental) — you can ring 111 at any time. They triage your symptoms over the phone and, where appropriate, refer you to an NHS emergency dental appointment.
• NHS urgent dental contracts — a small number of practices across Birmingham hold an NHS urgent care contract. They reserve a limited number of slots each day for 111 referrals.
• A&E — only useful for facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma. A&E cannot do dental work itself.

NHS emergency care typically covers pain relief, draining an infection, simple extractions and temporary dressings. It does not usually cover root canal treatment, crowns or definitive restorations at the urgent visit — those are arranged afterwards.

Typical NHS waiting times — honest assessment

Realistically, getting an NHS urgent appointment the same day in Birmingham can be difficult. Many patients ring 111 in the morning and are offered a slot the same day in another part of the city, the next day, or sometimes longer at busy times. If you cannot register with an NHS dentist where you live (which is common), your only NHS route in an emergency is through 111.

There is no charge for the 111 call. The NHS urgent dental band charge applies if you are seen and treated.

When private same-day is the right choice

Private emergency care suits you if:

• You cannot wait — the pain is severe or you have facial swelling
• You cannot find an NHS slot today and you need to work, sleep or eat
• You want a specific tooth saved rather than removed
• You want to see the same dentist for follow-up
• You would rather pay than be in pain another night

We keep emergency slots open every day, including evenings and weekends, at our Great Barr practice and through our home-visit service across the city.

Typical private emergency costs

We try to be straight about money:

• Emergency consultation (with X-ray): £80 to £120
• Treatment on the day is quoted in addition. A simple extraction is from around £150, a temporary filling from £95, draining an abscess from £120, and a root canal from £450. Every price is agreed with you before we begin.

There are no hidden charges. If you are not ready to go ahead with treatment, you only pay the consultation.

How we handle both routes

If you are clearly better served by the NHS, we will tell you and point you to 111. If you need help today and the NHS route is not workable, we will see you privately at Great Barr or send a dentist to your home. Either way, you get an honest answer when you ring.

Call 01922 326040 between 09:00 and 18:00, any day of the week.

CQC and GDC registered.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the NHS dentist today?

Sometimes — through NHS 111. They will assess you over the phone and offer a slot if one is available in your area. It is not guaranteed.

How much is a private emergency visit?

£80 to £120 for the consultation and X-ray. Any treatment is quoted on top, and you agree the price before we start.

Is it cheaper to pay privately if I am in pain?

It depends. The NHS urgent band charge is lower than a private fee, but only if you can get an NHS slot today. If you cannot, paying privately for relief tonight is often the more sensible choice — pain costs you too.

Do you take payment plans for emergency treatment?

For larger jobs, yes. We will talk you through it before any work starts.

What if I just need pain relief until I can see my own dentist?

We can do that — a temporary dressing and antibiotics where appropriate. Just tell us on the phone.