Need an Emergency Dentist in Ware?
Fast, Local Care When You Need It Most

24th September 2026

When dental pain strikes, it can be difficult to know whether you should wait for a routine appointment or seek urgent help. Toothache is often described as one of the most intense types of pain, and when it becomes severe, it can quickly affect your sleep, eating and everyday life.

At Hertfordshire Dental Group, we understand that dental emergencies cannot always wait. As a local dentist supporting patients across Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne and Cheshunt, we offer emergency dental appointments to help get you out of pain and provide the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

When should you see an emergency dentist?

A dental emergency can involve sudden pain, trauma or infection that requires prompt attention. Severe toothache is one of the most common reasons people contact an emergency dentist, but there are many other situations where urgent dental care may be needed.

These can include a dental abscess, a broken or cracked tooth, a knocked-out tooth, a lost filling or crown, or bleeding that continues after dental treatment. Accidents, falls and sports injuries can also cause damage to teeth, gums and other areas of the mouth.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, our previous blog provides further guidance on when oral health concerns need professional attention.

As a general rule, toothache that lasts for more than two days should be assessed by a dentist. You should seek urgent advice sooner if the pain is getting worse or does not improve with appropriate pain relief. Swelling, fever, a bad taste in your mouth or pain when biting can also indicate an underlying problem such as infection.

Dental Emergencies in Children

Children can be particularly prone to dental accidents. Playground incidents, sports injuries and falls can result in chipped or damaged front teeth, knocked-out baby teeth and injuries to the lips or gums.

Braces can also cause problems. Broken brackets or sharp wires may irritate the cheeks, lips or gums and may require an urgent appointment to prevent further discomfort.

If your child has injured their mouth or damaged a tooth, contact your local dentist for advice as soon as possible. Acting promptly can be particularly important when a permanent tooth has been knocked out.

What causes severe toothache?

There can be several reasons for sudden or persistent dental pain. Common causes include tooth decay, dental abscesses, cracked teeth, broken fillings, erupting wisdom teeth, gum disease and teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.

Pain can sometimes settle temporarily, but this does not necessarily mean the underlying problem has disappeared. If your toothache keeps returning, arranging an examination with a local dentist can help identify the cause before it develops into a more serious dental emergency.

What can you do while waiting for an emergency appointment?

There are a few simple measures that may help you manage discomfort while waiting to see a dentist. A warm saltwater rinse can help keep the area clean, while suitable pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help control pain when taken according to the instructions.

You may also find it more comfortable to eat soft foods and avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods and drinks if these trigger sensitivity.

These measures are only temporary and should not replace professional dental care when you have persistent pain, swelling or other signs of an infection.

If swelling begins to affect your breathing, swallowing or speaking - or if it spreads towards your eye or neck - you should go to A&E rather than wait for a dental appointment.

Emergency Dental Care in Ware

At Hertfordshire Dental Group, we hold daily emergency appointments for patients experiencing dental pain during our opening hours. If you contact us as early as possible, we will do our best to arrange an appointment promptly. We often see patients within a couple of hours, using our experience to assess the problem and find an appropriate solution.

Our membership plans also include access to emergency appointments at Hertfordshire Dental Group, a 20% reduction on the cost of routine treatment and worldwide dental emergency cover, with plans starting from just £17.84 per month.

What our Patients Say

If you have severe toothache, a broken tooth, swelling or another urgent dental problem, don’t suffer and hope it goes away. Contact Hertfordshire Dental Group today for fast, local emergency dental care in Ware. Call us on 01920 897678 and let our experienced team help you get the urgent treatment you need.

Go Back To The Top