If you need emergency treatment and have a regular dentist, you can ask whether NHS out of hours treatment is available. Dentists’ surgeries generally try to treat patients within 24 hours of being notified.

If you do not have a regular dentist, you will need to contact your local primary care trust which is responsible for emergency and out of hours care in its area. You can find its details in your phone book or you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 if you live in England or Wales.

If you live in Scotland, call NHS 24 on 08454 242424; and if you live in Northern Ireland, contact your local health and social services board.

You can also find out about out-of-hours dental services from your nearest NHS Walk-in Centre. It can offer fast and convenient access to a range of NHS services.