How to find an emergency dentist

One of my biggest fears is losing all my own teeth.  Why? Because I have an irrational fear of false teeth, something I have previously mentioned on this blog before.  It is a fear that started when I was a child and has stayed with me.  I cannot be in the same room as or see them, I freeze, break out in a sweat and want to vomit.  As part of my beauty regime, one thing I do is look after my teeth.  I have got to my 30 years and have never had a filling or a tooth out, something I am quite proud of.

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No-one relishes a trip to the dentist, and when you're going as an emergency case, it's even more traumatic. Help is at hand though, as the smart, efficient and simple booking service available at Toothpick.com will guide you through the process step by step. It's really easy to book a dentist local to you, and, even better, it's completely free.

With 3500 NHS and private dentists throughout the UK listed on the site, you should be able to find an out of hours dentist close to home and book quickly online. The site's reach is expanding all the time, too. Every dentist featured on Toothpick.com has to meet what's known as the "Toothpick Promise", which means that they have the relevant qualifications, independent reviews of their practice are given, and they offer a fair price for treatment.

Toothpick's 100% Best Price Guarantee also promises that the price shown online will match what you pay at the surgery- if it doesn't, Toothpick.com will refund you the difference.

To use the service, simply type in the name of the town or city where you live or work, the postcode, or the name of the practice you wish to book if you have one in mind. Toothpick.com's search function will then bring up all the practices local to you, and from the bar above, you can then select "emergency", and whether or not you're looking for a private or an NHS appointment.

Available dates and times will then appear, and all you have to do is select the one that's best for you. You then type in a few quick details including your name and contact number, and the appointment is arranged. Appointments can be booked 24 hours a day, so there's no hanging around pressing the "call back" button on your phone when surgeries open at 8am.

For emergency NHS dental care, you will be charged a flat rate of £18.50, although you may require a follow up consultation which will incur a separate charge. For emergency dental treatment offered by the NHS, you don't need to bring paperwork or your ID, unless your dentist specifies otherwise.

For private dental care, if you have insurance then it is usually wise to bring a copy of your policy with you if practicable. Depending on the terms and conditions of your private dental insurance, you will usually have to pay for the treatment upfront, and you can claim it back later.

For when you're feeling better, it's also possible to search dental surgeries for specialisms and treatments offered (for example, you can search for dentists who are especially sympathetic to nervous patients, or for dentists who offer Invisalign treatment, or those who treat broken teeth, etc.).

Collaboration all words are my own