What to do when tooth pain strikes: your emergency dentist Cardiff guide
- Rachel Barrow
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Tooth pain can strike at the worst possible moment. Whether it’s a dull ache that won’t go away or a sudden, sharp jolt that stops you in your tracks, knowing what to do next is crucial. At Rumney Endodontics, we regularly help patients facing dental emergencies—providing swift relief, clear advice, and long-lasting solutions.
If you’ve been frantically searching for an emergency dentist in Cardiff, here’s everything you need to know about getting the right care, fast.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Not all dental pain requires immediate treatment, but there are times when you shouldn’t wait. Contact an emergency dentist in Cardiff if you experience:
Severe or worsening toothache
Facial swelling or swollen gums
Cracked, chipped or broken teeth
Knocked-out teeth
Bleeding that doesn’t stop
Signs of infection, like a bad taste in your mouth or pus near the tooth
These symptoms could indicate an abscess, pulp infection, trauma, or another issue that needs urgent attention. At Rumney Endodontics, we treat emergencies with the urgency they deserve—aiming to offer same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible.
What causes sudden tooth pain?
There are many reasons why tooth pain can suddenly appear or worsen:
Infection: Bacteria can enter through a crack, cavity or damaged filling and cause inflammation in the tooth pulp.
Decay: Deep decay can reach the inner layers of the tooth and irritate the nerves.
Trauma: A knock or fall can cause a tooth to fracture or become loose.
Failed dental work: Old fillings, crowns or previous root canals can occasionally fail and become painful.
One of the most common causes of emergency pain is a condition known as pulpitis—when the nerve inside your tooth becomes inflamed. Left untreated, it can progress into a full-blown abscess. That’s why prompt assessment by a skilled emergency dentist in Cardiff is so important.
What happens at an emergency appointment?
At Rumney Endodontics, our first priority is to get you out of pain. Here’s what you can expect when you see our emergency team:
Assessment and triage – We’ll ask questions about your pain, take digital X-rays, and examine the affected area.
Diagnosis – We’ll determine the root cause of the issue, whether it’s infection, trauma, or something else.
Immediate treatment – This might include draining an abscess, starting root canal treatment, placing a temporary filling, or stabilising a loose tooth.
Pain relief and aftercare – We’ll provide pain management advice and antibiotics if needed.
Next steps – We’ll guide you on what to do next, whether that’s completing treatment at Rumney Endodontics or referring you back to your general dentist.
Our specialist endodontists—Dr Andrew Bartley and Dr Cassandra Maunder—can often begin root canal treatment on the same day if needed. This can provide rapid relief while preserving your natural tooth.
Why choose a specialist-led clinic for dental emergencies?
When you’re in pain, you want more than just a quick fix. You want a long-term solution that gets to the root of the problem. That’s where we can help.
At Rumney Endodontics, we’re not just another Cardiff dental practice—we’re a referral centre for complex endodontic care. This means we’re equipped with:
Specialist diagnostic tools, including CBCT scanners and microscopes
Expert clinicians with years of experience in root canal and emergency care
Pain-free techniques that make even the most anxious patients feel at ease
We also work closely with general dentists across Cardiff, ensuring continuity of care for patients who need follow-up or restorative work after their emergency visit.
What can you do at home before your appointment?
If you’re waiting for your emergency appointment, you can take steps to manage the discomfort:
Take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol (always follow the label or ask your pharmacist)
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
Use a cold compress to ease swelling
Avoid chewing on the affected side
Keep the area clean with gentle brushing
Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum—it can cause burns. And most importantly, don’t delay calling an emergency dentist in Cardiff if your symptoms are worsening.
We’re here when you need us most
Dental pain is distressing—but you don’t have to face it alone. At Rumney Endodontics, we provide expert, compassionate emergency dental care for patients across Cardiff.
Whether you’re suffering from an abscess, broken tooth, or sudden swelling, we’re ready to help. You’ll be treated by professionals who not only relieve your pain but protect your oral health in the long term.
Book your emergency dentist appointment in Cardiff today
If you're in pain and unsure what to do next, don't wait. Call Rumney Endodontics now to speak with a member of our team or use our online form to request urgent care.
For fast, specialist-led treatment from a trusted emergency dentist in Cardiff, we're here to help—when you need us most.