Severe Toothache
Severe toothache: Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if you can take these safely. Do not exceed the stated dose and check for interactions. Do not place aspirin on the gum.

Calm support, clear advice and prompt treatment in Camberwell.

When something goes wrong with your teeth, you want calm support and clear advice. At Dentist By The Green, we provide same-day emergency dental appointments where available. Our qualified clinicians focus on easing pain, stabilising the issue and protecting your oral health. We welcome patients from Herne Hill and the wider SE24 area, including the streets around Brockwell Park, Half Moon Lane and Herne Hill Station.
As a private dentist near Herne Hill, our team in Camberwell will aim to see you as soon as possible. We will examine your symptoms carefully and recommend care designed to relieve discomfort and prevent things from getting worse. Suitability for any treatment is always confirmed after an individual assessment. You will be listened to, your options will be explained in plain English, and your next steps will be planned around what matters to you.

If you are in Herne Hill and need an emergency dentist, please contact Dentist By The Green. We welcome patients from across SE24, from the streets around Herne Hill Station and Half Moon Lane to those close to Brockwell Park and the Velodrome. Our practice is nearby in Camberwell, at 25A Denmark Hill, London SE5 8RS, and we will do our best to see you as soon as we can.
You can reach Dentist By The Green by car, bus, bike and train. Our Denmark Hill location is easy to find and our team can offer practical directions if helpful.

Please get in touch promptly if you are in or near Herne Hill and have any of the following:
These problems may need urgent attention to reduce pain and lower the risk of complications. If you are unsure whether it is urgent, our reception team can guide you and arrange the most suitable appointment.

Triage and booking: When you call, we will ask brief questions about your symptoms and your medical history. This helps us prioritise your care and offer the earliest appropriate time.
Clinical assessment: At your visit, your dentist will examine the area and take a careful history. Where helpful, we may recommend X-rays or other tests. These give a clearer picture so your care can be planned with accuracy and confidence.
Immediate care: Our first goal is to ease pain and make things stable. This may include smoothing a sharp edge, placing a protective dressing, repositioning or securing a tooth after trauma, or draining a localised collection where indicated. We may also prescribe medication such as antibiotics or pain relief when clinically appropriate.
Planning next steps: Once you are more comfortable, we will outline a tailored plan. Any further care is arranged according to your needs and suitability, and may be booked for a follow-up visit.

Dental pain can feel overwhelming, and being seen quickly can add to the worry. Please tell us if you feel anxious. We will explain each step, check you are comfortable to continue and adjust the pace to suit you. Numbing options and other comfort measures can be discussed during your assessment, depending on suitability.
The tips below may help you stay as comfortable as possible while travelling to us. Always follow medical advice specific to you, and contact us if you are worried.
Severe toothache: Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if you can take these safely. Do not exceed the stated dose and check for interactions. Do not place aspirin on the gum.
Swelling: A cold compress on the cheek in short intervals may ease discomfort. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if the swelling is increasing quickly, seek urgent medical help immediately.
Broken tooth or sharp edge: Keep the area clean with gentle brushing. If a sharp edge is rubbing, orthodontic wax from a pharmacy can sometimes be used carefully as a short-term cover.
Lost restoration with sensitivity: Try to keep food and drinks lukewarm. Avoid very hot, cold or sugary items. A temporary filling material from a pharmacy can sometimes help until you are seen.
Knocked-out adult tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown only, the part you usually see in the mouth. Avoid touching the root. If visibly dirty, gently rinse with saline or milk, do not scrub. If you feel able, you can try to place it back into the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth. If not, keep it moist in milk or saline and bring it with you. This needs urgent assessment.
Bleeding after recent treatment: Apply gentle, constant pressure with a clean, rolled piece of gauze for up to 20 minutes. If bleeding does not slow, contact us or seek urgent care.
These simple steps can help keep you comfortable until we see you.
Prompt, patient-centred approach: We prioritise comfort and clear communication. We explain what is happening and the options available in plain, friendly language.
Experienced clinicians: Our dentists are fully qualified and used to managing a broad range of urgent dental problems. Recommendations are based on what we find at your assessment and what is appropriate for you.
Calm, modern setting: From your first call to leaving the surgery, our focus is on reducing anxiety and helping you feel supported and heard.
Local knowledge: Many of our emergency patients live, work or study around Herne Hill, including near Brockwell Park, the Herne Hill Farmers’ Market on Railton Road and the streets off Norwood Road and Dulwich Road. Patients often tell us our Denmark Hill location is straightforward to reach when time matters.
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We will ask a few questions to understand your symptoms and how urgent they are. This helps us offer the right appointment and initial advice.

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You will complete a concise medical history so we can treat you safely. Your dentist will examine the area and explain the findings in plain English.

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Where possible and appropriate, we will provide treatment to relieve pain, reduce the risk of further harm and support healing.

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You will receive guidance on caring for the area at home. If needed, we will arrange a review to monitor progress or discuss longer-term options for your comfort and function.


After your emergency appointment, we will give you tailored advice to support recovery. This may include tips on keeping the area clean, what to eat and drink, safe pain relief and when to return.
Any further treatment, where indicated, will be planned with you once your dentist has confirmed what is appropriate for your situation. Outcomes depend on the nature of the problem, how quickly it is treated and your individual oral health, and we will keep you informed throughout.
What To Expect At Your Emergency Visit
A warm welcome from our reception team and completion of essential medical checks so we can treat you safely.
A focused examination to find the likely cause of your symptoms. Where suitable, X-rays may be taken to improve clarity and guide a carefully planned approach.
Immediate steps designed to ease pain and make the situation more stable.
Clear after-care advice for home and any warning signs to look out for.
A personalised plan for any further treatment, arranged at a time that works for you.
We offer same-day emergency appointments where available for patients from Herne Hill. Our team will guide you to the earliest suitable time.
A sudden change can still mean the tooth needs urgent attention. We can assess the cause and plan carefully to protect your long-term oral health.
Yes, especially if it feels sharp, sensitive or uncomfortable. Early care can help stabilise the tooth and keep treatment simpler.
That depends on the problem and the care needed. Many patients return to normal routines quickly with clear after-care and reassuring support.
Yes, of course. We explain each step in plain English, slow the pace when needed, and make your visit feel more comfortable.
A cold compress may help while you travel to us, and we can advise you by phone. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, seek urgent medical help.
© 2026 Dentist by The Green last updated at 10/11/2026
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