Dentists
Emergency Smiles
277A,Whitechapel Road,London, London E1 1BY
Overview
Emergency Smiles is a dental practice located in Whitechapel, East London, serving the diverse communities of Tower Hamlets and surrounding areas. The practice specializes in providing emergency and urgent dental care to patients who require immediate treatment for dental pain, trauma, or other acute oral health issues. They cater to both registered patients and those seeking emergency treatment without prior appointment.
The practice offers a range of services including emergency pain relief, temporary and permanent restorations, and urgent treatment for conditions such as abscesses, broken teeth, and severe decay. Emergency Smiles is situated in the heart of Whitechapel, a busy area with excellent public transport links via the London Underground and bus networks, making it accessible to patients across East London and beyond.
As an emergency dental provider, the practice aims to provide rapid assessment and treatment to alleviate dental distress and restore oral comfort. They understand the urgency of dental emergencies and work to accommodate patients quickly during their opening hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Emergency Smiles in London by calling 020 3576 1239, visiting the practice in person, or completing a registration form on their website. Unlike GP registration, you do not need to live within a catchment area to join an NHS dentist — you can register with any practice that is accepting NHS patients. You will be asked for your name, date of birth, address, medical history, and details of any medications you take. Your first appointment will usually include a full dental examination.
NHS dental places can be limited and availability changes frequently. Contact Emergency Smiles directly on 020 3576 1239 to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Emergency Smiles is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near London accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Emergency Smiles, call 020 3576 1239 during opening hours for an emergency appointment. Outside surgery hours, call NHS 111 for advice — they can direct you to the nearest emergency dental service. Go to A&E only if you have uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, or trauma to the face or jaw. For dental pain at home, take over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen or paracetamol), rinse with warm salt water, and apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek.
NHS dental charges in England are set nationally and apply at Emergency Smiles. As of 2024, Band 1 (check-up, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if needed, preventive advice) costs £26.80. Band 2 (fillings, root canal treatment, extractions) costs £73.50. Band 3 (crowns, dentures, bridges) costs £319.10. An urgent dental treatment charge is £26.80. If you need more than one treatment in the same course, you only pay the highest band. You may be entitled to free NHS dental care if you are under 18, under 19 and in full-time education, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, receiving certain benefits, or hold an HC2 certificate.
NHS orthodontic treatment (braces) is available for children under 18 if they meet clinical criteria (assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need — IOTN). Your dentist at Emergency Smiles can assess your child and refer them to an orthodontist if needed. NHS orthodontic treatment is free for under-18s. Adults are generally not eligible for NHS orthodontics and would need to explore private options such as fixed braces, Invisalign, or other clear aligner systems. Ask Emergency Smiles about orthodontic referrals and private options.
Yes, you can transfer to Emergency Smiles at any time. Simply contact the practice on 020 3576 1239 to register as a new patient. Your dental records will be requested from your previous practice. If you are mid-treatment at another practice, it is best to complete that course of treatment before transferring, as a new course of treatment at Emergency Smiles may incur a new NHS charge.
Yes, Emergency Smiles welcomes children of all ages. NHS dental care is free for all children under 18 (or under 19 if in full-time education). Services include regular check-ups, fluoride varnish applications (recommended from age 3), fissure sealants to protect back teeth, fillings, extractions, and orthodontic assessments. It is recommended to take your child to the dentist from when their first milk teeth appear (around 6 months) or by their first birthday. Early visits help children become comfortable with the dental environment.
Yes, Emergency Smiles has dental hygienists who provide professional cleaning (scale and polish), stain removal, advice on brushing and flossing techniques, treatment for gum disease, and fluoride treatments. On the NHS, a scale and polish is included in a Band 1 check-up if your dentist deems it clinically necessary. Some patients choose to book additional private hygienist appointments for more thorough cleaning — ask Emergency Smiles about private hygiene fees.
Emergency Smiles follows strict infection control protocols as required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Department of Health. Measures include sterilisation of all instruments using autoclaves, single-use disposable items (gloves, masks, suction tips) for every patient, surface disinfection between appointments, hand hygiene protocols for all clinical staff, and regular infection control audits. These measures protect patients and staff from cross-infection. You can ask to see the practice's infection control policy if you wish.
Emergency Smiles in London typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact Emergency Smiles on 020 3576 1239 for their current opening times and to find the most convenient appointment slot. Emergency slots are usually available each day for registered patients with urgent problems.
Emergency Smiles understands that many patients feel anxious about visiting the dentist. The practice offers a supportive, understanding environment and can accommodate nervous patients with longer appointment times, a detailed explanation of each step before it happens, the option to pause treatment at any time, distraction techniques, and referral for sedation if appropriate. Let the team know about your anxiety when booking — they will do everything they can to make your visit comfortable. Severe dental phobia can be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) through the NHS.
Yes, Emergency Smiles uses dental X-rays as part of routine examinations. These may include bitewing X-rays (to check between teeth for decay and bone levels), periapical X-rays (to see the root of a specific tooth), and panoramic X-rays (a full view of all teeth and jaws). Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation and are safe. Your dentist will only take X-rays when clinically necessary — typically every 6 to 24 months depending on your risk of dental disease. X-rays are included in NHS Band 1 charges.
Tooth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, Emergency Smiles may offer private tooth whitening services. Professional dental whitening is safe when carried out by a registered dental professional and typically involves custom-made trays with whitening gel for home use, or in-surgery whitening. In the UK, only registered dental professionals can legally carry out tooth whitening. Ask Emergency Smiles about private whitening options and pricing.
During a routine check-up at Emergency Smiles, your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of decay, check your gums for gum disease, examine the soft tissues of your mouth (tongue, cheeks, palate, throat) for any abnormalities including signs of oral cancer, review any existing dental work (fillings, crowns, dentures), take X-rays if needed to check between teeth and below the gum line, carry out a scale and polish if clinically indicated, and discuss your oral hygiene routine. The entire appointment typically takes 20-30 minutes.