Severe tooth pain can stop you in your tracks. It makes eating impossible, sleeping difficult, and concentrating on anything else a real struggle. When the pain is that intense, waiting days for an appointment simply is not an option.
The good news is that a same day emergency dentist can assess and treat most causes of severe tooth pain during a single visit. Whether the problem is an infection deep within the tooth, a crack that has exposed the nerve, or an abscess that needs draining, emergency tooth pain relief is available without delay.
Immediate dental treatment does not just stop the pain. It addresses the underlying cause, preventing the problem from getting worse. At Emergency Dentist London, we see patients with severe dental pain every day. This guide explains what treatment options are available, how the process works, and how to get seen quickly.
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When Do You Need a Same Day Emergency Dentist?
You need a same day emergency dentist when you have severe, constant tooth pain that does not respond to over-the-counter painkillers, visible swelling in the face or gums, signs of dental infection, or a tooth that has been broken or knocked by trauma. These situations require urgent dental care the same day to prevent complications and relieve pain quickly.
Not every toothache is an emergency. A mild sensitivity to cold drinks, for example, can usually wait for a routine appointment. But certain symptoms indicate that something more serious is happening — and that delaying treatment could make things considerably worse.
You should seek same day care if you are experiencing:
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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."
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- Swelling in the gum, jaw, or face — particularly if it is spreading
- Throbbing or pulsating pain — often a sign of infection or abscess
- Pain after trauma — a fall, blow to the face, or sports injury
- A broken or cracked tooth with exposed nerve
- Difficulty eating, sleeping, or opening your mouth
If any of these apply to you, read our guide on 10 signs you need an emergency dentist immediately. You can also visit our severe toothache relief page for more information on urgent pain management.
Emergency Tooth Pain Relief — What Happens First?
When you arrive for an emergency dental appointment, the first priority is understanding exactly what is causing the pain. Effective emergency tooth pain relief starts with an accurate diagnosis.
Clinical assessment. The dentist will examine the painful tooth and the surrounding area. They will check for visible damage, swelling, gum recession, and signs of decay. You will be asked about your symptoms — when the pain started, what triggers it, and how severe it is.
Identifying infection. If infection is suspected, the dentist looks for telltale signs such as a swelling at the gum line, a bad taste in the mouth, or tenderness when pressure is applied. Catching infection early allows for more straightforward treatment and faster relief.
X-ray. A digital X-ray is often taken to see what is happening beneath the surface. It reveals the health of the tooth root, any bone loss, the presence of an abscess, or a crack that is not visible to the naked eye. This step is quick and painless.
Minimising discomfort during treatment. Once the cause is identified, the dentist will explain your options clearly. Before any treatment begins, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area thoroughly. The emphasis is always on keeping you comfortable throughout.
For a deeper understanding of what might be causing your pain, our article on understanding tooth nerve pain — triggers and treatments covers the subject in detail. You can also learn more about our severe toothache treatment service.
Immediate Dental Treatment Options Available
The type of immediate dental treatment you receive depends on the diagnosis. A same day emergency dentist is equipped to carry out a range of procedures during a single visit. Here are the most common options for severe tooth pain.
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Treatment by Dr Kamran
Same Day Root Canal
When infection or decay reaches the pulp — the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels — the pain can be intense and relentless. A same day root canal is one of the most effective forms of emergency tooth pain relief for this type of problem.
During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp tissue, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals them. This eliminates the source of infection and stops the pain. In many cases, the entire treatment can be completed in one appointment.
A root canal saves the natural tooth, which is always the preferred outcome when clinically possible. For more on this treatment, visit our root canal treatment page. If you are unsure whether saving the tooth is the right choice, read our comparison guide on root canal vs extraction — saving your tooth.
Severe Toothache Treatment for Infection
A dental abscess — a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection — is one of the most common causes of severe tooth pain. The pain is often described as deep, throbbing, and constant. It may be accompanied by swelling, a raised temperature, and a foul taste.
Immediate dental treatment for an abscess typically involves draining the infection to relieve pressure. Antibiotics may be prescribed where clinically appropriate to help control the infection. Once the acute phase has settled, further treatment such as a root canal or extraction may be required.
Learn more about our dental abscess treatment service. You can also read about the dangers of ignoring a dental abscess in our dedicated guide.
Broken or Cracked Tooth Repair
A fractured tooth can cause sudden, sharp pain — especially when biting or when the tooth is exposed to temperature changes. If the crack extends into the nerve, the pain can become constant and severe.
A same day emergency dentist can stabilise the tooth with a temporary or permanent restoration, depending on the extent of the damage. In some cases, a crown is needed. If the fracture is too deep, extraction may be the safer option. The goal of immediate dental treatment is always to stop the pain, protect the tooth, and prevent further damage.
Visit our broken tooth repair page for details. For a broader look at fracture types, read our guide on understanding tooth fractures and treatment options.
Wisdom Tooth Emergency Pain Relief
Wisdom teeth are a frequent source of severe dental pain, particularly in younger adults. When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted, the surrounding gum can become inflamed and infected — a condition called pericoronitis. Impacted wisdom teeth can also press against neighbouring teeth, causing deep, aching pain.
Emergency tooth pain relief for wisdom teeth may involve cleaning the area, prescribing medication to manage infection, and in some cases, same-day extraction. Our wisdom tooth pain relief service is designed for exactly these situations. For more on this specific condition, read our article about pericoronitis and wisdom tooth infection.
How an Emergency Dental Appointment Works
Booking an emergency dental appointment is designed to be simple and fast. When you are in pain, the last thing you need is a complicated process.
Same-day slots. We keep dedicated appointment slots open every day for emergency patients. In most cases, you can be seen within hours of contacting us. Book directly through our booking page or call us to arrange your visit.
Out-of-hours availability. Dental pain does not always strike during office hours. Our out-of-hours dentist service means you are not left waiting in pain until the next working day.
Weekend availability. Weekends are covered too. Our weekend emergency dentist appointments ensure that urgent dental care is accessible seven days a week.
Not sure whether your situation is urgent enough? Our guide comparing an emergency dentist vs NHS 111 in London can help you decide the best route for your symptoms.
Minimising Discomfort During Treatment
One of the biggest concerns patients have about emergency dental treatment is pain. It is completely understandable — you are already in discomfort, and the thought of more can feel overwhelming. But modern emergency dentistry is designed around your comfort.
Local anaesthetic. Every treatment begins with thorough numbing of the affected area. Modern anaesthetics are highly effective and act quickly. You may feel a brief pinch as the injection is administered, but the area should be completely numb before any treatment starts.
A calm environment. Our team is experienced in treating patients who are anxious, stressed, or in acute pain. You will be treated at your own pace, with clear explanations at every stage. There are no surprises.
Managing dental anxiety. If you find dental visits difficult, you are not alone. Many emergency patients feel the same way. Our article on overcoming dental anxiety during emergencies offers practical advice on how to feel more at ease.
For patients searching for fast pain relief at home before their appointment, our guide on managing tooth nerve pain quickly explains safe, temporary options. However, professional assessment is always the recommended course of action for lasting relief.
Costs of Same Day Emergency Dentist Treatment
We understand that cost is an important consideration, especially when treatment is unexpected. At Emergency Dentist London, we are committed to transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
The cost of same day emergency dentist treatment depends on the type of procedure required. A straightforward consultation and temporary dressing will cost less than a full root canal or surgical extraction. Your dentist will explain the cost clearly before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
For a full breakdown of our fees, visit our pricing page. You can also read our detailed guide on emergency dentist costs in London for a clearer picture of what to expect.
We also offer a membership programme that includes benefits such as discounted treatment rates and priority booking for patients who want ongoing care.
Areas Covered for Urgent Dental Care
Our clinic is centrally located and easily accessible from across London. We regularly treat emergency patients from a wide range of neighbourhoods.
If you are searching for urgent dental care nearby, we welcome patients from Central London, South Kensington, Chelsea, Westminster, Fulham, and Notting Hill, among many other areas.
Whether you live locally or work in the area, getting to us for a same day emergency dentist appointment is straightforward. We are well served by public transport and have clear directions on our website.
When Severe Tooth Pain Becomes a Dental Emergency
Most cases of severe tooth pain benefit from prompt treatment, but certain warning signs indicate that the situation is becoming more urgent. Recognising these signs helps you act quickly and get the right level of care.
Swelling that is spreading. Localised gum swelling around a tooth is common with infection. But when swelling extends to the cheek, under the jaw, or around the eye, it suggests the infection is progressing and needs immediate attention.
A raised temperature. Feeling feverish alongside dental pain can be a sign that your body is fighting a significant infection. This warrants urgent assessment.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing. Any restriction in swallowing or breathing alongside dental symptoms should be treated as a serious emergency. Contact us without delay.
Pain that suddenly stops. Ironically, a sudden disappearance of severe tooth pain does not always mean the problem has resolved. It can indicate that the nerve inside the tooth has died, while the infection continues to spread silently.
For a comprehensive overview, read our complete guide to dental emergencies in London. Our article on 5 warning signs a tooth infection is spreading is also essential reading if you suspect infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can a same day emergency dentist see me?
In most cases, we can offer an appointment within a few hours of you contacting us. We keep same-day slots specifically for emergency patients, so there is no waiting list for urgent cases.
If you book online through our website or call during opening hours, our team will arrange the earliest available slot. For cases involving significant swelling or trauma, we prioritise the appointment accordingly.
Even outside regular hours, our out-of-hours and weekend services are available to provide urgent dental care when you need it most.
What immediate dental treatment relieves pain fastest?
The treatment that provides the fastest emergency tooth pain relief depends on the cause. For infected teeth, draining an abscess or starting a root canal relieves pressure almost immediately. For cracked or broken teeth, stabilising the tooth and protecting the exposed nerve brings rapid comfort.
In every case, the process begins with effective local anaesthetic. Once the area is numb, pain relief is immediate. The dentist then treats the underlying cause so that the pain does not return.
Temporary measures such as a medicated dressing can also provide significant short-term relief while a longer-term treatment plan is arranged.
Is a same day root canal painful?
A same day root canal should not be painful. The area is thoroughly numbed with local anaesthetic before the procedure begins. You may feel pressure or vibration, but you should not experience sharp or intense pain.
Many patients report that the root canal itself is far more comfortable than the toothache that brought them in. Modern techniques and instruments allow the procedure to be completed efficiently, with a strong focus on minimising discomfort during treatment.
After the anaesthetic wears off, mild tenderness is normal for a day or two. This is typically well managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
Can urgent dental care stop infection?
Yes. Urgent dental care is one of the most effective ways to manage and resolve a dental infection. The dentist can drain an abscess, remove the source of infection through root canal treatment or extraction, and prescribe antibiotics when appropriate.
Without professional treatment, a dental infection is unlikely to resolve on its own. In fact, leaving it untreated allows it to spread to surrounding tissue and bone. Prompt assessment and immediate dental treatment are the best way to bring infection under control.
If you suspect you have a dental infection, do not wait for it to improve by itself. Contact us for a same-day assessment.
How do I book an emergency dental appointment?
Booking is straightforward. You can visit our website and use the online booking form to select a same-day slot. Alternatively, call us directly and our team will arrange the earliest available appointment based on the urgency of your symptoms.
We welcome both new and existing patients. You do not need a referral or prior registration. Simply get in touch, describe your symptoms, and we will take it from there.
Our same day emergency dentist service runs every day of the week, including weekends and out-of-hours periods, so help is always within reach.