What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental problems tend to strike at the worst possible times — a severe toothache in the evening, a broken filling on a Sunday, or even a knocked-out tooth during a weekend football match. As an international resident, it’s important to know what to do and who to call in case of a dental emergency in the Netherlands. 

Here’s how emergency dental care works in the Leiden region — both during and outside office hours. 

During Office Hours 

If you’re in pain or have experienced trauma, contact your dentist as early as possible in the day. Most dental practices try to leave room for urgent cases. 
Keep in mind: some dentists may not be reachable by phone in the afternoon. In those cases, the emergency number is often listed on the practice’s website and can still be used during regular hours for urgent problems. 

Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays 

If your dentist is closed, call their regular number and listen to the voicemail — it typically provides instructions for emergencies. For the Leiden area, you can also contact the regional emergency dental service directly: 

Tandartsspoedpraktijk 
Phone: 0900-8602 
www.tandartsspoedpraktijk.nl 

This on-call service is available for urgent dental care outside regular hours. 

In Case of Trauma: “Tooth Out? Tooth In!” 

If a tooth has been knocked out due to an accident, acting quickly can make all the difference. The Dutch campaign “Tand eruit? Tand erin!” (Tooth out? Tooth in!) provides the following advice: 

• Pick up the tooth carefully by the crown (the white part), not the root. 
• If the tooth is clean, gently place it back into the socket right away. Bite down on a tissue to hold it in place. 
• If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a cup of milk or inside your cheek to keep it moist. 
• Seek emergency dental help immediately — ideally within 30 minutes. 

This applies to permanent teeth (not baby teeth) in both adults and children. 

Tips to Be Prepared 

• Save both your dentist’s number and the emergency number (0900-8602) in your phone. 
• Write down the emergency contact information and post it somewhere visible at home. 
• Keep a small dental emergency kit — with gauze, painkillers, and a clean container for a tooth. 
• If your dentist is unavailable during office hours, check their website for an emergency contact. 
• For severe injuries or if you're unsure whether it's dental or medical, contact the huisartsenpost (after-hours GP) or go to the hospital emergency department. 

Don’t Panic — Help Is Available 

Whether you're dealing with sudden pain or dental trauma, knowing who to call and what to do brings peace of mind. The Dutch dental system is well-organised, and help is available — even outside of regular hours. 

And remember: if a permanent tooth is knocked out, act fast — Tooth out? Tooth in!