Emergency Root Canal Treatment in London
When the nerve (pulp) inside a tooth becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected, the pain can be severe and is often unresponsive to painkillers. Emergency root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canal system, and seals it — usually providing rapid pain relief. The tooth is then restored, usually with a crown, in a subsequent appointment.
Flat £30 emergency assessment fee for everyone. X-rays (£20/image, £10 for members) and onward treatment quoted separately in writing before treatment.
What to Do Right Now
- →Take ibuprofen and/or paracetamol at the recommended dose.
- →Avoid very hot, very cold or hard foods on the affected side.
- →Sleep slightly propped up — this can reduce throbbing.
- →Do NOT rely on antibiotics — they will not resolve nerve pain. The tooth needs definitive treatment.
- →Book an emergency assessment as soon as possible.
How We Treat Emergency Root Canal
Emergency root canal treatment is normally completed in 1–2 visits. In a single emergency visit we can usually open the tooth, remove the inflamed or infected pulp, place a medicated dressing and a temporary filling — which typically resolves the pain. Full canal cleaning, shaping and obturation, and the final restoration (usually a crown) follow in subsequent visits.
Cost & what is included
Emergency assessment is a flat £30 for everyone — this includes the clinical examination and pain triage. X-rays (charged at £20 per image, £10 for members) and any onward treatment are quoted separately and confirmed in writing before treatment goes ahead. We will explain options and prognosis honestly; you are free to take time to decide or to seek a second opinion.
Common Causes
Understanding what has caused the problem helps you take the right next step — and helps us choose the right treatment. The most frequent reasons we see in clinic are:
- •Deep decay that has reached and infected the nerve (pulp).
- •A cracked tooth allowing bacteria to enter the pulp.
- •Trauma that has damaged the nerve (sometimes years earlier).
- •A failing previous root canal treatment.
- •Repeated dental procedures stressing the nerve over time.
Treatment Costs — Guide Prices
All prices below are guide prices for treatments most commonly needed for this kind of emergency. Your written treatment plan after the assessment will confirm the exact figure for your situation, before any treatment goes ahead. SPMD Dental Membership typically saves 50% on most dental treatments (terms apply).
| Treatment | Standard price | Member price |
|---|---|---|
Emergency dental assessment Flat £30 for everyone — examination + pain triage. | £30 | £30 |
Dental X-ray (per image) Only charged if clinically required. | £20 | £10 |
Root canal — front tooth (incisor/canine) Crown usually recommended afterwards. | from £695 | from £347.50 |
Root canal — premolar Crown usually recommended afterwards. | from £795 | from £397.50 |
Root canal — molar Crown usually recommended afterwards. | from £895 | from £447.50 |
Crown (porcelain / metal-ceramic) Per tooth. | from £995 | from £497.50 |
Emergency assessment is a flat £30 for everyone (this is the standard rate — the membership discount does not apply to the assessment itself). Multi-visit treatments (e.g. root canal + crown) are quoted together so you can see the full cost up front. We never start treatment without your written agreement.
After Your Appointment
You will leave with written aftercare specific to your treatment. As a general guide, the following points apply to most patients seen for this kind of emergency:
- ✓The tooth may feel tender to bite on for 5–7 days after the first appointment — this is normal.
- ✓Take ibuprofen and/or paracetamol at recommended doses for the first 24–48 hours if needed.
- ✓Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until the final restoration (usually a crown) is fitted.
- ✓Attend the second appointment to complete the canal cleaning and place the final restoration.
- ✓Contact us immediately if swelling develops or pain increases significantly.
If anything worries you between appointments, phone the clinic — we would much rather hear from you early than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does emergency root canal treatment hurt?
The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic and is generally well tolerated. Most patients describe relief, not pain. Mild tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.
Can a root canal be completed in one visit?
Sometimes — particularly for front teeth with straightforward anatomy. Molars with multiple curved canals often need two visits. Your dentist will explain what is realistic for your tooth.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
Most root-canal-treated back teeth need a crown to protect against fracture. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a large bonded filling instead. We will explain the options in writing.
What if root canal treatment fails or is not possible?
In some cases the tooth cannot be saved — for example, a vertical root fracture. Extraction with replacement (implant, bridge or denture) is then discussed honestly.
Are you specialist endodontists?
Emergency root canal treatment is provided by our GDC registered dentists with experience in endodontic treatment. Some complex cases — particularly re-treatments or unusual anatomy — may be referred to a specialist endodontist on the GDC specialist list, and we will discuss this with you transparently.
Other Dental Emergencies
Looking for help with something else? See our other emergency dentist pages:
Need to be seen now?
Call the clinic nearest to you. Same-day emergency appointments are subject to clinical availability — we will give you the soonest realistic slot. Out of hours, NHS 111 can also help.
SPMD Medical & Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). If at any point you are unhappy with your care, we welcome your feedback. Our complaints procedure is published on our website and a copy is available on request.
