Emergency Tooth Extraction in London
Extraction is sometimes the appropriate emergency treatment — for a tooth that is too broken or decayed to save, a root-fractured tooth, a tooth at the centre of a severe infection that cannot be drained any other way, or where the patient prefers extraction over more complex restorative work. We will always explain alternatives (root canal, crown, etc.) honestly and only proceed with extraction if it is genuinely the best option for your case.
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 recommended doses while you wait for your appointment.
- →Soft, cool foods on the unaffected side.
- →Stay hydrated and rest.
- →Bring a list of any medication you take (particularly blood thinners) and your medical history to the appointment.
- →Avoid alcohol on the day of the planned extraction.
How We Treat Emergency Tooth Extraction
Most extractions are done under local anaesthetic. You will feel pressure but not pain. After extraction we will give you written aftercare instructions, including how to manage bleeding, what to eat, when to resume normal activities, and how to look after the socket. Replacement options — implant, bridge or denture — are discussed once the socket has healed, usually after 8–12 weeks.
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:
- •Tooth too broken-down or decayed to restore.
- •Severe infection that cannot be drained or root canal treated.
- •A vertical root fracture (the tooth cannot be saved).
- •Severe periodontal disease with loose teeth.
- •Patient preference where alternatives (root canal + crown) are declined.
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 |
Tooth extraction (simple) For non-surgical removal. | from £250 | from £125 |
Tooth extraction (complicated) Where the tooth is broken down or has curved roots. | from £450 | from £225 |
Tooth extraction (surgical) Where soft-tissue or bone work is needed. | from £650 | from £325 |
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:
- ✓Bite firmly on gauze for 30 minutes; do not keep checking the socket.
- ✓Avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking, alcohol and hot drinks for 24 hours.
- ✓Soft cool foods for 48 hours; gentle salt-water rinses from day 2.
- ✓Mild discomfort and swelling for 3–5 days is normal — manage with ibuprofen and paracetamol.
- ✓Contact us if bleeding does not stop after 30 minutes of pressure, or if pain worsens after day 3 (possible dry socket).
If anything worries you between appointments, phone the clinic — we would much rather hear from you early than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does extraction hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some tenderness in the days afterwards is normal and managed with pain relief.
How long does it take?
Straightforward extractions usually take 15–30 minutes. Surgical extractions for difficult or broken-down teeth can take longer. We will explain the time and complexity in advance.
What are the risks?
Risks include bleeding, infection, dry socket (post-extraction socket pain), jaw stiffness, and rarely nerve injury for lower back teeth. These are explained in writing before consent is signed.
When can I have the tooth replaced?
Usually 8–12 weeks after extraction once the socket has healed. Some implant cases can be placed immediately after extraction — we will assess and discuss honestly at consultation.
What if I am on blood thinners?
Tell us in advance. Most blood thinners do NOT need to be stopped routinely; we follow current UK guidance (SDCEP). We may modify post-operative measures to manage bleeding safely.
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.
