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We hold emergency slots every working day at Colombo and Nugegoda, for new and existing patients alike. Slots are allocated by clinical urgency, so call as early in the day as you can.
Emergency line answered 07:00–22:00, seven days a week.
These indicate an infection or injury beyond what a dental practice should manage. Do not wait for a dental appointment — go straight to a hospital.
What counts
If you are unsure, call us and describe it. Reception will ask a few questions and a clinician will decide how urgently you need to be seen.
Booking these as emergencies takes a slot from someone in pain. Please use the normal booking system — it usually has something within the week.
Before you get here
None of this replaces treatment. It buys you comfort until we can see you.
Handle it by the crown, never the root. If it is clean, try to push it gently back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth. If not, keep it in milk — not water — and call us immediately. Within the hour gives the best chance of saving it.
Take pain relief on schedule rather than waiting for the pain to return. Sleep propped up on an extra pillow. Rinse with warm salt water. Never hold an aspirin against the gum — it burns the tissue.
Cold compress on the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes at a time. Do not apply heat. Call us the same day — swelling always needs to be assessed, and a spreading swelling is an emergency department matter.
Keep the crown if you have it and bring it with you; it can often be re-cemented. Avoid chewing on that side. Temporary filling material from a pharmacy is fine for a day or two.
Roll a clean gauze or cloth, place it over the socket and bite down firmly for 30 minutes without checking. If it is still bleeding heavily after an hour, call us.
Where
Negombo triages by phone and refers urgent cases to Colombo when its list is full.
Emergency line answered 07:00–22:00, seven days a week.
Same-day emergency slots held daily at 09:30 and 17:30.
Questions
Important safety notice
Nothing on this page is a diagnosis or a substitute for being examined. It is general guidance to help you decide how urgently to seek care, and to stay comfortable until you can be seen.
If you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing, if swelling is spreading towards your eye or neck, or if you have been injured beyond the teeth, go directly to a hospital emergency department. Do not wait for a dental appointment and do not drive yourself if you feel unwell.