When tooth pain becomes unbearable, the question most patients ask is simple. Can a dentist actually remove a tooth on the same day? The short answer is yes. Emergency tooth extraction is a routine procedure carried out by experienced dentists across London every single day.
Whether you are dealing with a severe infection, a broken tooth, or sudden trauma, urgent tooth removal may be the quickest and safest way to relieve your pain and protect the rest of your mouth. Many patients worry about what the process involves, how much it costs, and whether they need to wait days for treatment. In most cases, you do not.
This guide covers everything you need to know about emergency tooth extraction — from when it is necessary, to what happens during and after treatment. If you are in pain right now, our emergency dentists are available for same-day appointments across London.
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Can a Dentist Pull a Tooth Same Day?
Yes, a dentist can pull a tooth on the same day in most cases. If a clinical assessment confirms the tooth cannot be saved, same-day emergency tooth extraction is often the recommended course of action. The dentist will carry out an examination, take any necessary X-rays, and proceed with urgent tooth removal during the same visit.
Same-day extraction is common for teeth that are severely decayed, badly broken, or causing acute infection. The priority is always patient safety and comfort. Before any extraction, the dentist will explain the findings, discuss your options, and ensure you are fully informed.
Not every tooth problem requires immediate removal. In some situations, the dentist may recommend antibiotics first to manage an active infection, followed by extraction at a short follow-up appointment. This approach ensures the local anaesthetic works effectively and that healing is straightforward.
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Principal Dentist at Emergency Dentist London
"We treat hundreds of dental emergencies every month. The sooner you come in, the easier the fix usually is."
Book an appointment with our team →If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for same-day treatment, contacting our team is the best first step. We assess every case individually and prioritise patients who are in significant pain.
When Is Emergency Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Emergency tooth extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is beyond repair and poses a risk to your health or comfort. Several situations call for urgent tooth removal rather than conservative treatment.
Severe infection or dental abscess. When infection has spread deep into the tooth root or surrounding bone, extraction may be the only way to stop it progressing further. A dental abscess can cause intense throbbing pain, facial swelling, and difficulty eating. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas. If you suspect an abscess, our dental abscess treatment service provides prompt assessment and care.
A broken tooth beyond repair. Teeth that have fractured below the gum line, or that have lost a significant amount of structure, may not be suitable for a crown or filling. In these cases, extraction removes the source of pain and prevents further damage.
Trauma to the mouth. Accidents and falls can knock teeth loose, crack them vertically, or displace them from the socket. When the damage is too extensive for repair, urgent tooth removal is the safest option.
Failed root canal. A tooth that has previously had root canal treatment can sometimes become reinfected. If retreatment is not viable, extraction prevents the infection from affecting neighbouring teeth or bone.
Wisdom tooth emergency extraction. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause repeated episodes of pain, swelling, and infection. When conservative management no longer controls the symptoms, emergency extraction provides a lasting solution.
Emergency Tooth Extraction vs Root Canal — Which Is Better?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask. The honest answer depends entirely on the condition of the tooth.
Real Patient Result: Emergency White Filling
Treatment by Dr Kamran
A root canal treatment aims to save the natural tooth by removing infected tissue from inside the root, cleaning the canals, and sealing them. When successful, the tooth can remain in place for many years with a crown to protect it. This is generally the preferred option when the tooth structure is still strong enough.
However, root canal treatment is not always possible. If the tooth is too badly damaged, if the infection has destroyed a large amount of bone around the root, or if a previous root canal has failed, extraction becomes the more predictable and safer choice.
Your dentist will always discuss both options with you. The goal is to save the tooth whenever clinically appropriate. When extraction is recommended, it is because the evidence supports it as the better long-term outcome for your oral health.
For a more detailed comparison, read our guide on root canal vs extraction — saving your tooth.
What Happens During Urgent Tooth Removal?
Understanding the process can ease anxiety. Emergency tooth extraction follows a clear, structured approach designed around your comfort and safety.
Assessment. The dentist examines the tooth and surrounding area. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking. This information helps plan the safest approach.
X-ray. A digital X-ray shows the shape, position, and condition of the tooth root. It also reveals any infection in the surrounding bone. This step takes only a few moments and is essential for planning the extraction.
Local anaesthetic. The area around the tooth is numbed thoroughly before anything begins. Modern anaesthetics work quickly and effectively. You should feel pressure during the procedure, but not pain. Minimising discomfort during extraction is a top priority for any experienced dentist for extractions.
The extraction. For straightforward cases, the dentist loosens the tooth gently within the socket and removes it. More complex extractions — such as broken roots or impacted wisdom teeth — may require the tooth to be sectioned into smaller pieces first. This approach is routine and reduces the amount of bone work needed.
Time required. A simple extraction typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes from start to finish. Surgical extractions may take a little longer, but most procedures are completed well within an hour.
After the tooth is removed, the dentist places gauze over the socket and provides clear aftercare instructions. You are free to go home the same day.
Wisdom Tooth Emergency Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to require emergency extraction. They are the last teeth to come through, usually between the ages of 17 and 25, and they frequently cause problems.
Pericoronitis is one of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth emergency extraction. This condition occurs when the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes inflamed and infected. It causes pain at the back of the jaw, difficulty opening the mouth, and sometimes a bad taste. Repeated episodes of pericoronitis are a strong indication for removal.
Swelling and infection. An impacted wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria, leading to decay in the wisdom tooth itself or in the neighbouring molar. The resulting infection can cause facial swelling and spreading pain. Prompt extraction stops the cycle.
Repeated infections. Some patients experience multiple bouts of pain and swelling from the same wisdom tooth over months or years. When antibiotics and cleaning are no longer providing lasting relief, extraction offers a permanent solution.
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, our wisdom tooth pain relief service is available for same-day assessment.
Cost of Emergency Tooth Removal
The cost of emergency tooth removal depends on several factors. These include the complexity of the extraction, the position of the tooth, and whether surgical techniques are required.
A straightforward extraction of a single-rooted front tooth is typically less expensive than a surgical removal of an impacted wisdom tooth. The clinical assessment will determine the level of complexity, and your dentist will explain the cost before treatment begins.
At Emergency Dentist London, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden charges. You will always know the full cost before any treatment starts. We offer private emergency care with clear, upfront fees.
For a full breakdown of our treatment fees, visit our pricing page.
Post-Extraction Care Tips
How you look after the extraction site in the first few days has a direct impact on healing. Following these post-extraction care tips will help you recover smoothly and avoid complications.
Bite on gauze. Keep gentle pressure on the gauze pad placed by your dentist for at least 30 minutes after the procedure. This helps a blood clot form in the socket, which is essential for healing.
Avoid rinsing for 24 hours. Do not rinse your mouth, spit forcefully, or use a straw for the first 24 hours. These actions can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Eat soft food. Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day or two. Soup, yoghurt, mashed potato, and scrambled eggs are good choices. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or very hot.
Managing swelling. Some swelling is normal after extraction, particularly for surgical removals. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek — 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off — for the first few hours. Swelling usually peaks at 48 hours and then gradually subsides.
Pain management. Take over-the-counter painkillers as recommended by your dentist. Ibuprofen is often the most effective option for post-extraction discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions on the packet.
When to return. Contact your dentist if you experience increasing pain after the first three days, persistent bleeding, a fever, or a foul taste in your mouth. These may be signs of infection or dry socket that require attention.
For a complete aftercare guide, read our article on what to do after tooth extraction — pain relief, healing and aftercare.
How to Book an Emergency Tooth Extraction in London
Getting an emergency tooth extraction in London does not have to be complicated. At Emergency Dentist London, we make the process as straightforward as possible.
Same-day booking. We reserve appointment slots specifically for emergency patients. In most cases, you can be seen on the same day you call. Visit our booking page to secure your appointment online, or call us directly.
Walk-in options. If you are nearby and in pain, you do not always need to call ahead. Our walk-in dentist London service welcomes patients without a prior appointment, subject to availability.
Weekend care. Dental emergencies do not only happen on weekdays. We offer weekend appointments so that you are never left waiting in pain until Monday morning.
Our team understands the urgency. From the moment you contact us, we work to get you seen, assessed, and treated as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist pull a tooth same day?
Yes. In the majority of cases, a dentist can carry out an emergency tooth extraction on the same day you attend the clinic. After a clinical examination and X-ray, the dentist will determine whether the tooth needs to come out immediately.
If there is active infection that might interfere with the anaesthetic, a short course of antibiotics may be prescribed first. However, most same-day patients leave the clinic with the problem tooth already removed.
Same-day extraction is one of the most commonly performed emergency dental procedures in London.
Is emergency tooth extraction painful?
Emergency tooth extraction should not be painful. Before the procedure begins, the dentist administers a local anaesthetic to completely numb the area around the tooth. You may feel pressure and movement, but you should not feel sharp pain.
If you feel any discomfort during the extraction, let your dentist know immediately. Additional anaesthetic can be given. Modern techniques focus on minimising discomfort during extraction at every stage.
After the anaesthetic wears off, some soreness is normal. This is usually well managed with over-the-counter painkillers for a day or two.
How long does urgent tooth removal take?
A straightforward urgent tooth removal typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. This includes the time for anaesthetic to take effect, the extraction itself, and initial aftercare instructions.
Surgical extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth with curved roots, may take 30 to 60 minutes. Your dentist will give you a time estimate before beginning.
Most patients are surprised at how quickly the procedure is completed.
What is the cost of emergency tooth removal?
The cost of emergency tooth removal varies depending on the complexity of the case. A simple extraction is less expensive than a surgical extraction of an impacted or broken tooth.
At Emergency Dentist London, we provide a clear cost breakdown before any treatment begins. There are no hidden fees. Your dentist will explain the pricing during your assessment so you can make an informed decision.
Visit our pricing page for current fee information, or call us for a direct quote based on your situation.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients feel significantly better within two to three days after an emergency tooth extraction. The initial discomfort and swelling usually peak at around 48 hours and then gradually improve.
Full healing of the extraction socket typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, a blood clot forms, and new tissue grows over the site. Following your dentist's aftercare instructions closely will support smooth, complication-free healing.
You can usually return to normal daily activities the day after extraction. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours and stick to soft foods for the first few days.