Emergency Dentist in Dubai

Need urgent dental care?

If you're in dental pain, don't wait. Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers has four locations across Dubai — Jumeirah, Marina Walk, Springs Souk, and Uptown Mirdif — with experienced dental teams available to see emergency patients every day. Call 04 394 7777 and we'll get you seen as quickly as possible.

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Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

Some dental problems need attention the same day. If you're experiencing any of the following, call us immediately:

Severe or throbbing toothache that isn't easing
A knocked-out tooth
A tooth that has been partially dislodged or pushed out of position
Significant swelling in the face, jaw, or neck
A dental abscess — a painful, pus-filled swelling caused by a bacterial infection inside or around a tooth
Uncontrolled bleeding following an extraction or oral surgery
A broken tooth with sharp edges or exposed nerve causing pain
A lost or broken filling, crown, or bridge that is causing pain or sensitivity

If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call us anyway. It's always better to check.

Less Urgent — But Still See a Dentist Soon

Some situations aren't immediately dangerous but can worsen quickly if left unattended. Book an appointment if you notice:

A dull or intermittent toothache
A small chip or crack in a tooth that isn't painful
A loose or broken orthodontic bracket or wire
A lost aligner or retainer

What to Do While You Wait

While you're on your way to the clinic — or waiting for your appointment — here's what to do for the most common emergency situations.

Knocked-out adult tooth

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with cold water — do not scrub. If possible, place it back into the socket and hold it in position. If not, keep it moist between your cheek and gum or in milk. Seek immediate dental care — ideally within 30 minutes — as time is critical to saving the tooth.

Dental abscess

Do not apply heat to the area. A cold compress held against the outside of the cheek can help reduce swelling. Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself. A dental abscess is a serious infection that requires professional treatment — it will not resolve on its own.

Severe toothache

Rinse with warm saltwater to clean the area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this can cause tissue damage. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks until you're seen.

Broken or knocked tooth with bleeding

Apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze or cloth. A cold compress on the outside of the face can help reduce swelling. Avoid eating on the affected side.

Lost crown or filling

If a crown has come off, keep it safe and bring it with you. Dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum can be used as a temporary cover if the exposed area is sensitive — this is a short-term measure only.

What Happens When You Arrive

When you contact Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers with a dental emergency, the team's priority is to relieve your pain and assess what's happened as quickly as possible.

Your dentist will take a brief history, examine the affected area, and where needed, take an X-ray to understand what's happening beneath the surface. From there, you'll be given a clear explanation of what's going on and what your options are — before any treatment begins.

For complex emergencies, the appropriate specialist — whether a Specialist Endodontist, Specialist Oral Surgeon, or Specialist Periodontist — will be involved in your care.

Emergency Dental Care for Children

Dental emergencies in children need prompt attention. Children's teeth — both primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth — require proper care after injury, and outcomes are often better the sooner a child is seen.

If your child has knocked out, chipped, or fractured a tooth, or is in significant dental pain, call 04 394 7777. The team includes Specialist Pediatric Dentists who are experienced in managing dental trauma and emergencies in children of all ages.

Dental Emergency FAQs

What is the most common dental emergency?

Severe toothache is the most frequently reported dental emergency. It can be caused by deep decay, a cracked tooth, a failing restoration, or a dental infection. Pain that is constant, keeps you awake at night, or is accompanied by swelling is a sign that the problem needs same-day attention — it is unlikely to resolve without treatment.

My tooth got knocked out. What should I do?

Act quickly — the chances of saving a knocked-out tooth are highest within the first 30 minutes. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with cold water if dirty, then either reinsert it into the socket or keep it moist in milk, saliva, or saline. Call 04 394 7777 immediately and come straight in.

What is a dental abscess?

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms as a result of a bacterial infection — either inside the tooth itself or in the surrounding gum tissue. It typically causes throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes a fever. A dental abscess is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Left untreated, the infection can spread. Do not attempt to drain it at home.

I have a dull toothache. Is it an emergency?

A dull, intermittent toothache is not always an emergency, but it should not be ignored. It can be an early sign of decay, a cracked tooth, or grinding damage. Rinse with warm saltwater, avoid triggers like very hot or cold food, and book an appointment within a day or two. If the pain sharpens, becomes constant, or swelling develops, call us the same day.

I cracked my tooth. What should I do?

Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on the affected side and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Contact Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers promptly — the treatment required will depend on the location and depth of the crack.

Is bleeding normal after oral surgery?

Some bleeding in the first 24 to 48 hours following an extraction or oral surgery is expected. Bite down gently on a clean gauze pad for 10 to 15 minutes to help a clot form. Avoid rinsing vigorously, drinking through a straw, or smoking in the first 24 hours. If bleeding is heavy, persistent, or increasing rather than slowing down, contact the clinic immediately.

Why do I feel a sharp, stabbing pain in my tooth?

Sharp or shooting dental pain usually points to a cavity, a crack, a problem with an existing restoration, or an infection that has reached the nerve inside the tooth. This type of pain warrants same-day attention — nerve involvement can escalate quickly and early treatment typically means simpler, less extensive care.

Why do I have a metallic taste in my mouth?

A metallic taste in the mouth can stem from different reasons. It is often a sign of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or tooth infection. It could be a side effect of antidepressants, as well as heart, gout, and blood pressure medications. It could also indicate diabetes, kidney or liver problems. If the metallic taste in your mouth persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, please consult your doctor or dentist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Does my insurance cover dental emergencies?

Most major insurance plans include some provision for emergency dental care, though coverage varies by policy. At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we accept most major insurance cards for direct billing and handle all pre-approvals and paperwork on your behalf. For details on your specific coverage, visit our Insurance & Payment Options page.