Emergency Dentistry Over the Christmas Period: What Patients Should Do

The Christmas period is a time for rest, celebration, and family — but unfortunately, dental emergencies don’t take a holiday. A debilitating toothache, dental infection, or a damaged tooth can all require immediate dental attention, even over the festive break.

At Hermitage Dental Practice, we want our patients to feel reassured and informed about what to do if a dental emergency arises during Christmas.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

You should seek urgent dental advice if you experience:

• Severe or worsening toothache

• Facial swelling or signs of infection

• A broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth

• Trauma to the mouth or jaw

• Uncontrolled bleeding

If you are unsure, it’s always better to call for advice.

Practice Plan Members

If you are a member of our practice plan, you are entitled to complimentary same-day emergency appointments during our opening hours.

• 📞 Call us at 8:30am on 01530 510533

• Same-day emergency appointments are available subject to contact at opening time

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If You Are More Than 25 Miles Away

If you are away from the area over Christmas:

• You may see any emergency dentist

• You will need to pay for the treatment upfront

• Ensure you obtain an itemised receipt

You must request assistance:

• Within 30 days of treatment in the UK

• Within 90 days if treated abroad

Reimbursement is subject to treatment limits.

Request for Assistance Forms are available from Global Dental Scheme👉 https://globaldentalscheme.co.uk/

Forms can be submitted by email or post, along with receipts and supporting evidence, within the stated time limits.

Weekends & Bank Holidays

During weekends and bank holidays, Hermitage Dental Practice is closed.

Under the Global Dental Scheme, you can:

• Attend an emergency dentist elsewhere

• Search online for “emergency dentist” (there are several in Leicester and Loughborough)

Important points to note:

• Patients pay the first £15.00 excess

• You must pay upfront for treatment

• Obtain an itemised receipt

• Submit your request for assistance within 30 days

• The maximum benefit per year is £200 per patient

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Non-Members (Private or New Patients)

If you are a private or new patient and need urgent dental care:

• 📞 Call us at 8:30am when phone lines open

• We will always do our best to see you within 24 hours

Emergency appointment fee: £114

This covers your consultation and assessment to diagnose the cause of your pain.

If further treatment is required (such as a filling, extraction, or root canal), this will be:

• Fully explained in advance

• Subject to additional charges

You can view our full list of fees in our fee guide - Plans & Fees | Dentist | Hermitage Dental Practice | Whitwick

NHS Dental Emergencies (Children)

If your child is registered with us as an NHS patient:

• 📞 Call us at 8:30am

• We will endeavour to see them within 24 hours

For out-of-hours NHS emergencies, please call 111.

Leaving a Message

If you are unable to get through immediately:

• 📞 Call 01530 510533

• Leave a message on our answerphone, there are also instruction on what tyo do if we are closed.

• A member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible

Our Christmas Opening Hours

Monday 22nd December: Open as normal

Tuesday 23rd December: Open as normal

Wednesday 24th December: 8:30am – 13:00pm

Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th December: Closed

Monday 29th December: Open as normal

Tuesday 30th December: 8:30am – 14.00pm

Wednesday 31st December: 8:30am – 13:00pm

Thursday 1st January: Closed for New Year’s Day

Friday 2nd January: Normal opening hours resume

Please note: During the week commencing 29th December, we may operate reduced hours if no emergency calls are received or if no patients are booked in. If you need an appointment, please contact us at 8:30am on 01530 510533 so we can secure a slot for you.

Final Advice

Dental problems can worsen quickly if left untreated. If you are in pain, don’t wait — seek advice promptly, even during the Christmas period.

Our team at Hermitage Dental Practice is here to help guide you to the right care, when you need it most.

We wish all our patients a safe, comfortable, and happy Christmas 🎄🦷