Emergency dentist — what to do in a dental crisis

Quick summary

A dental emergency is severe pain that ordinary painkillers cannot control, a knocked-out or broken tooth, or swelling and abscess in the mouth. In Norway, you can get help at a tannlegevakt (dental emergency clinic) in most cities, or by calling your regular dentist for an urgent appointment. Expect to pay between NOK 1,500 and 4,000 for an emergency examination and first aid, with surcharges for evening and weekend visits (updated March 2026). The sooner you seek help, the greater the chance of saving the tooth.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Not all toothache is an emergency. Here are the most common situations where you should seek help immediately:

Severe, persistent toothache

Pain lasting several hours, waking you at night, or not responding to ibuprofen or paracetamol is a clear sign something is wrong. The cause may be deep decay reaching the nerve, a cracked tooth, or a gum infection.

Knocked-out or loose tooth after trauma

If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, you have a narrow window of roughly 30 minutes to maximise the chance of the dentist replanting it. Loose teeth after a fall or blow should also be assessed urgently, even if they are partially in place.

Abscess and swelling

A dental abscess presents as swelling in the gum, jaw, or face, often accompanied by fever and throbbing pain. Left untreated, the infection can spread and become serious. An abscess requires same-day treatment.

Bleeding that will not stop

After dental treatment or an injury, persistent bleeding may require emergency follow-up. Try biting on a damp gauze for 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, call your dentist or the dental emergency clinic.

Broken tooth or loose filling

A fractured tooth with an exposed nerve often causes intense pain on contact with air, touch, or temperature change. A loose filling leaving sharp edges can damage the tongue and inner cheek.

What to do while waiting for your appointment

While waiting to see a dentist, you can manage the pain and protect the tooth:

• Painkillers: Take ibuprofen (400–600 mg) or paracetamol (1,000 mg) at the recommended dosage. Avoid aspirin if there is bleeding.
• Cold compress: Apply an ice pack to the cheek, 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, to reduce swelling.
• Rinse your mouth: Use lukewarm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water) to keep the area clean.
• Knocked-out tooth: Store the tooth in milk or hold it in your mouth between the cheek and gum. Keep it moist and avoid touching the root.
• Broken tooth: Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum to protect the soft tissue.

Avoid hot food and drinks, and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Where to get emergency dental help in Norway

Tannlegevakten (dental emergency clinic)

Most large Norwegian cities have a tannlegevakt open during evenings and weekends. In Oslo, the dental emergency clinic is located on Schweigaards gate and is open every day. Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, and Tromsoe have similar services. Call 116 117 (the out-of-hours medical helpline) to be referred to the nearest dental emergency clinic.

Your regular dentist

Many dental clinics reserve urgent slots during the day. Call your clinic as soon as it opens. Clearly describe your symptoms so they can assess how quickly you need an appointment.

The general emergency room (legevakt)

The regular ER is not equipped for dental treatment but can help with prescription painkillers and antibiotics if there are signs of serious infection. Use the ER as a supplement, not a replacement, for dental care.

How much does emergency dental care cost?

Dental care in Norway is largely not covered by the public health system for adults. Here are typical prices for emergency treatment (updated March 2026):

Treatment	Estimated cost
Emergency examination	NOK 800–1,500
Temporary filling	NOK 600–1,200
Simple root canal	NOK 3,000–6,000
Tooth reimplantation	NOK 2,000–4,000
Evening/weekend surcharge	NOK 500–1,500

Most dental clinics offer payment plans or invoicing. If you have dental insurance, emergency treatment is often partially covered. Check the terms with your insurer.

Prices vary between clinics and regions. In the largest cities, prices tend to be somewhat higher than in smaller municipalities.

When should you seek emergency dental care?

Seek help immediately if you experience one or more of the following:

• Severe pain not controlled by over-the-counter painkillers
• Swelling in the face, jaw, or throat
• Fever combined with toothache
• A tooth knocked out or knocked loose
• Persistent bleeding after dental treatment or injury
• Pus or a foul taste in the mouth suggesting infection

Do not wait hoping it will pass. Dental infections can worsen rapidly and lead to complications requiring hospital treatment.

How to prevent dental emergencies

Most emergency dental problems can be prevented with regular care:

• Visit your dentist for a check-up at least once a year
• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, unshelled nuts, or pen caps
• Do not postpone treatment of known cavities or weakened fillings

Find a dentist on Flextooth

Need urgent dental help, or looking for a new regular dentist nearby? Use Flextooth to find a dentist near you. You can filter by city, opening hours, and available emergency slots.