Severe Toothache
Expert emergency dental care in London. Same-day appointments available at our South Kensington & City of London clinics.
Severe toothache is more than just a nuisance; it is your body's alarm system telling you that something is critically wrong inside your tooth. Dental pain is often ranked as one of the most intense types of pain humans can experience, and when it strikes, it can be debilitating, affecting your sleep, ability to eat, and ability to concentrate.
At Emergency Dentist London, we understand that a toothache is an urgent situation. We prioritize pain relief, aiming to diagnose the root cause and stop the suffering in a single visit.
Understanding the Pain: Reversible vs. Irreversible Pulpitis
Not all toothaches are the same. Understanding the symptoms can help diagnose the severity:
Reversible Pulpitis
A sharp, fleeting pain when eating something cold or sweet. The pain stops quickly once the stimulus is removed. This usually indicates a small cavity or exposed root that can be fixed with a filling.
Irreversible Pulpitis
This is a true emergency. The pain is spontaneous (starts without warning), lingers for minutes after drinking cold/hot fluids, or wakes you up at night. This means the nerve (pulp) inside the tooth is dying or infected. It will not heal on its own and requires a root canal or extraction.
Apical Periodontitis
The tooth feels high or painful when biting down. This indicates the infection has spread from the nerve out of the root tip into the jawbone.
Common Causes of Toothache
Deep Decay
Bacteria penetrate the enamel and dentine, reaching the sensitive nerve.
Fractured Tooth
A crack allows bacteria and fluid to irritate the pulp.
Abscess
An infection at the root tip causing pressure buildup.
Gum Infection
Food trapped between the gum and tooth can simulate toothache pain.
Home Care Advice (Until You See Us)
Ibuprofen is generally more effective than Paracetamol for dental pain as it reduces inflammation. (Always check if you can take it safely).
Sleep with your head propped up on pillows to reduce blood pressure in the tooth.
Dab a tiny amount of clove oil on the affected tooth (avoiding the gum) for natural anaesthesia.
Stick to lukewarm, soft foods and avoid sweets.
Warning: NEVER place an aspirin tablet directly on the gum next to the tooth. It causes severe chemical burns.
Professional Treatment Options
We do not just prescribe painkillers; we treat the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, we may perform:
Emergency Extirpation (Start of Root Canal)
If the nerve is infected, we drill a small access hole, remove the inflamed nerve tissue, and place a sedative dressing. This procedure relieves the pressure, often significantly reducing or eliminating the pain before you leave the chair. You then return later to finish the root canal.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is non-restorable (too broken or decayed), the safest option is to remove it. We ensure you are completely numb before any procedure. Extraction provides instant cure by removing the source of infection.
Temporary Fillings
If the pain is due to a lost filling or exposed dentine, we can place a sedative glass ionomer filling that releases fluoride and soothes the nerve.
Why You Should Not Wait
Dental infections can spread. A simple toothache can turn into a facial swelling or Ludwig's Angina (a life-threatening airway obstruction) if ignored.
Furthermore, painkillers stop working once the infection spreads to the bone. Seeking help early not only stops the pain but often saves the tooth from extraction.
Don't suffer in silence. Get immediate relief and save your tooth.
Don't Suffer in Silence
Dental pain worsens with time. Immediate treatment prevents infection spread and saves teeth.
Same-day appointments available now.
Real Patient Results
Examples of our emergency restorative work.
Don't Delay Your Treatment
We have emergency slots available today. Our aim is complete pain relief.
Book Same-Day AppointmentTreatment Fees
* Prices are indicative. Full plan provided after assessment.
Flexible Ways to See Us
Available at Both Our London Clinics
Same expert care, same transparent pricing at both locations. Call 020 3137 6356 to book.
Related Emergency Treatments
Meet Our Emergency Dentists
Experienced professionals dedicated to your care.
Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
Principal Dentist and Clinical Director
Experienced Principal Dentist focused on prevention and complex surgical treatments.
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Dr. Kamran Yazdi
Dentist
Highly experienced in conservative dentistry and patient-centred care.
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Dr. Andreia Phipps
Dentist
Passionate about cosmetic and minimally invasive dentistry.
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Dr. Reza Davari
Dentist
Has a passion for comfortable, long-lasting prosthodontics with a gentle approach.
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Dr. Narges Ameri
Dentist
Expert in prosthetics, cosmetic dentistry, and implant-supported restorations.
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Dr. Ayman Mukhtar
Dentist
Provides expert, comprehensive dental care with a background in hospital-based oral surgery. Excels in surgical extractions and restorative dentistry including fillings, crowns, and bridges.
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Dr. Niknaz Rostam Yazdi
Dentist
Gentle general and emergency dentist with a special interest in nervous patients and children's dentistry. Joining our Marylebone clinic from 1 December 2026.
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Jack Button
Dental Hygienist and Therapist
Clinical Director committed to first-class hygiene therapy.
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Laila Alhussein
Dental Hygienist
Dedicated to promoting oral health and patient comfort in a warm environment.
Book Your VisitWhat Patients Say About Our Emergency Dentists
Our Emergency Dental Clinics in Central London
Two clinics open now in South Kensington and the City of London — plus our new Marylebone clinic at 22 Wimpole Street, opening 1 December 2026. Choose the clinic nearest to you.
South Kensington Clinic
Open 7 days a week
Address
20 Old Brompton RoadSouth Kensington
London, SW7 3DL
Phone
Opening Hours
How to get here
South Kensington Station (District, Circle & Piccadilly) — 2-minute walk
Bus routes 14, 74, 414, C1
Street parking on Thurloe Place & Exhibition Road
City of London Clinic
Mon–Thu 8am–6pm · Fri 8am–2pm
Address
5 Ave Maria LaneCity of London
London, EC4M 7AQ
Phone
Opening Hours
How to get here
St Paul's Station (Central line) — 3-minute walk
City Thameslink — 4-minute walk
Blackfriars Station (District, Circle & Thameslink) — 5-minute walk
Bus routes 4, 11, 15, 17, 26