Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Edinburgh
Tooth pain, a broken tooth, or swelling that won’t settle. We hold emergency slots back every single day at our Meadow Place practice for exactly these moments. Call us and we’ll get you seen as soon as we can.
OVERVIEW
Citrus Dental Care provides same-day emergency dental appointments at 1 Meadow Place, Edinburgh EH9 1JZ, two minutes from The Meadows. Emergency appointments are available to both NHS and private patients, including patients not currently registered with the practice. The practice treats toothache, dental abscesses, broken or knocked-out teeth, lost crowns and fillings, facial swelling, and wisdom tooth pain. Call 0131 285 3308 during opening hours. The practice is open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:30pm and Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. For out-of-hours emergencies, call NHS 111.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
It’s a Tuesday evening in Edinburgh and something has shifted. A persistent ache behind a back tooth that paracetamol isn’t touching. A crown that came loose at dinner. Swelling along your jaw that wasn’t there this morning. You’re not sure whether it’s bad enough to call a dentist or whether you should just wait it out until your next appointment.
A dental emergency is any dental problem that causes significant pain, risk of infection, injury to the teeth or gums, or bleeding that requires prompt clinical attention. Emergencies don’t always feel dramatic. Sometimes they begin quietly, a dull throb, a sudden sensitivity, a small crack you notice with your tongue. But left unattended, most dental problems escalate, and the sooner they’re assessed, the simpler and less costly they are to treat.
At Citrus Dental Care we hold same-day emergency slots every single day. Both NHS and private patients are seen, and you don’t need to be a registered patient to call. If something doesn’t feel right, that’s reason enough to pick up the phone.
What Dental Emergencies Do We Treat?
Severe Toothache
Persistent, throbbing pain that isn't responding to over-the-counter pain relief is often a sign of infection or deep decay. If it's keeping you awake or spreading into your jaw, it needs clinical assessment today rather than later.
Dental Abscess
A swollen or painful gum, a bad taste in your mouth, or a throbbing ache near a specific tooth are classic signs of a dental abscess. Infection doesn't stay localised and abscesses can escalate quickly, so same-day treatment is always preferable.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A fracture can expose sensitive inner tissue and cause sharp, immediate pain. Broken edges can also cut your tongue and cheek, so it's worth getting it assessed and stabilised promptly.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical here. Pick the tooth up by the crown, never the root, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and either place it back in the socket or keep it in milk or saliva. Call us straight away on 0131 285 3308. You have roughly 30 minutes to give it the best possible chance of being saved.
Lost Filling or Crown
The tooth structure beneath is now exposed and vulnerable. It won't repair itself, and without the protective restoration it's at real risk of further cracking or decay.
Facial Swelling
If swelling has spread into your face, cheek, or neck, infection is advancing and needs urgent attention. If it's affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. For anything short of that, call us as soon as possible.
Wisdom Tooth Pain
Partially erupted wisdom teeth are particularly prone to infection. Food gets trapped, bacteria sets in, and things tend to get worse rather than better. If the pain has been building for a day or two, don't wait any longer.
What Does an Emergency Appointment Involve?
- Assessment — your dentist carries out a thorough examination of the affected area and takes X-rays where needed to understand exactly what’s happening beneath the surface
- Pain relief — local anaesthetic is administered before any treatment begins, so you’re comfortable before anything else happens
- Immediate treatment — depending on what’s found, treatment may include a temporary or permanent restoration, drainage of an abscess, stabilisation of a broken tooth, or antibiotic prescription for active infection
- In more complex cases — a simple extraction may be needed, followed by a proper conversation about longer-term options including implants or bridges
- Clear next steps — before you leave you’ll know exactly what was done, what it cost, and what if anything needs to happen at a follow-up appointment
We’ll always tell you what we’ve found and what we’re planning to do before we do it. No surprises.
How Much Does Emergency Treatment Cost in Edinburgh?
NHS patients: Emergency same-day appointments are included within a course of NHS treatment for registered patients.
Private patients and non-registered patients: The private examination fee is £70, which covers your assessment and any X-rays needed. Treatment costs from there are:
Treatment | Fee |
Private examination and X-rays | £70 |
Extraction | From £120 |
Composite (white) filling | From £135 |
Root canal treatment | From £390 |
We’ll confirm all costs clearly before anything begins. If cost is a concern, 0% finance through Medenta is available for private treatment.
We See Patients From Across Edinburgh and Beyond
We’re on Meadow Place, right on the edge of The Meadows, and straightforward to reach from across the Southside and central Edinburgh. We see emergency patients from Newington, Bruntsfield, Tollcross, Marchmont, Morningside, and Leith regularly, as well as patients travelling in from further across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
When you’re in pain, the priority is finding someone who can actually see you today. That’s what we’re here for.
No sure where to begin? Just give us a ring.
REGISTRATION
Register With Citrus Dental Care
New to the area, returning after a while away, or just finally getting round to that appointment you’ve been putting off. You’re welcome here and registering is straightforward.
Here’s what you get when you join us:
- Free NHS check-ups for all registered patients
- Same-day emergency appointments when you need them
- A friendly, consistent team who gets to know you
- Membership plans from £22.50 a month
- 0% finance on private treatment through Medenta
- Gentle, unhurried care at whatever pace suits you
NHS patients are very welcome. We’re currently accepting new NHS registrations alongside private patients, which we know isn’t something every Edinburgh practice can say right now.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergency
You don't. We see non-registered and first-time patients for emergency appointments. Call 0131 285 3308 and we'll do our best to get you in the same day.
In most cases, yes. We keep emergency slots back every single day. Call as early as you can, let us know what's going on, and the reception team will prioritise you accordingly.
We're closed on Saturdays and Sundays. For out-of-hours dental emergencies, call NHS 111 and they'll direct you to the nearest available dentist. For anything life-threatening, go straight to A&E. Call us first thing on Monday morning on 0131 285 3308.
Yes, for registered NHS patients emergency care is included within a course of treatment. If you're not registered or you're a private patient, a private emergency fee applies and we'll confirm the cost clearly before we do anything.
Pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saline without scrubbing it. If you can, place it back into the socket. If not, keep it in milk or against the inside of your cheek. Call us immediately on 0131 285 3308. You have roughly 30 minutes to give it the best chance.
Always. Our reception team will talk through your symptoms and help you work out whether you need to come in today or whether it can wait. It takes two minutes and it's always worth the call.