Dental emergencies in Rome, for visitors and expats

What counts as a dental emergency

• Severe pain that does not pass or wakes you at night — often a sign of pulpitis (an inflamed nerve).
• Swelling of the gum or the face, with or without fever.
• A broken or chipped tooth after a fall or a blow.
• A tooth knocked out by a trauma.
• Pain after an extraction that gets worse after 2–3 days (possible dry socket).
• A filling, crown or temporary that has come off.

What to do while you wait

• For the pain you can take a painkiller you normally use, following its leaflet; do not place aspirin on the gum.
• For swelling apply cold on the outside of the cheek, at intervals; never heat.
• If a tooth broke, keep the fragments and rinse with lukewarm water.
• If a permanent tooth came out, hold it by the crown without touching the root, keep it in milk and call at once: time matters.
• If a temporary came off, keep it and bring it with you.

If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, a swelling that spreads quickly or a serious injury to the face, call 112 (the European emergency number) or go to the nearest Pronto Soccorso (emergency room).

An English-speaking dentist in Trastevere

The practice is at Viale di Trastevere 108, first floor, in the heart of Trastevere: tram 8 from Piazza Venezia stops a few steps away, Roma Trastevere railway station is close by, and the Porta Portese and Garage Trastevere car parks are around the corner. The doctors and the front desk speak English; you can call, write on WhatsApp or walk in after calling ahead.

Tourists, students, expats

You do not need to be a registered patient. Bring an ID document; after the visit you receive an itemised invoice (fattura) that you can submit to your travel or health insurance for reimbursement. Card payments are accepted.

Frequently asked questions

Can I come without an appointment?

Better to call first: we tell you right away what to do and we will be expecting you, with no waiting in the room.

What if the practice is closed?

Call anyway, also on the mobile number: for emergencies we answer outside opening hours whenever we can. If we cannot pick up, write on WhatsApp and we call you back as soon as possible. In serious cases go to the emergency room or call 112.

Will an abscess go away with antibiotics alone?

Antibiotics can reduce the infection, but the cause stays in the tooth: a visit is still needed to treat it.

Do you treat children?

Yes: paediatric dentistry is one of our ten areas of care.