Severe Toothache Treatment in London
Severe toothache can have several causes — deep decay reaching the nerve, an inflamed or infected pulp, a cracked tooth, a dental abscess, gum infection or an exposed root. The correct treatment depends entirely on the cause, which is why a clinical examination (and often an X-ray) is essential. Painkillers can help temporarily, but they do not treat the underlying problem.
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 (check the packaging and do not exceed maximum doses). Do not place aspirin directly on the gum.
- →Rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) to soothe the area.
- →A cold compress against the cheek (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) can help with swelling.
- →Avoid very hot, very cold or hard foods on the affected side.
- →Book an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible — pain that wakes you at night, spreading swelling or fever suggests a more serious problem.
How We Treat Severe Toothache Treatment
Once we have identified the cause, treatment may include a filling, root canal treatment, drainage of an abscess, extraction, or gum treatment. We will explain the options and provide a written quote before any treatment goes ahead.
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 tooth decay reaching the nerve (pulp).
- •Cracked tooth or fractured filling exposing dentine.
- •Dental abscess (pus collection from a bacterial infection).
- •Acute gum infection (pericoronitis or periodontal abscess).
- •Exposed root surface following gum recession.
- •Sinusitis sometimes mimics upper back-tooth pain.
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 |
Composite filling Fee depends on size and location. | from £185 | from £92.50 |
Root canal — front tooth (incisor/canine) Crown usually recommended afterwards. | from £695 | from £347.50 |
Root canal — molar Crown usually recommended afterwards. | from £895 | from £447.50 |
Tooth extraction (simple) For non-surgical removal. | from £250 | from £125 |
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:
- ✓Take ibuprofen and/or paracetamol at the recommended dose for 24–48 hours after treatment if needed.
- ✓Stick to soft foods on the unaffected side for the rest of the day.
- ✓Avoid very hot drinks until the local anaesthetic has fully worn off.
- ✓Resume normal brushing and flossing — being gentle around the treated area.
- ✓Contact us if pain returns, worsens, or you develop swelling or fever.
If anything worries you between appointments, phone the clinic — we would much rather hear from you early than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a severe toothache go away on its own?
Pain can sometimes ease temporarily if the nerve inside the tooth dies — but this does not mean the problem has resolved. Infection can continue to spread silently and may flare up worse later. Any severe toothache should be assessed by a dentist.
Do I need antibiotics for severe toothache?
Antibiotics are not curative for most dental pain. They are only appropriate where there is spreading infection, fever, or facial swelling. UK guidance (NICE, FGDP) emphasises that the underlying tooth still needs definitive treatment (a filling, root canal or extraction). We will only prescribe antibiotics if clinically indicated.
What painkillers work best for toothache?
Ibuprofen is generally the most effective for dental pain because it reduces inflammation. Paracetamol can be added if ibuprofen alone is insufficient. Always follow the dose on the packaging, do not exceed maximum daily doses, and check with a pharmacist if you take other medication or have a relevant medical history.
How quickly can I be seen?
We aim to see severe toothache cases the same day subject to clinical availability. Call the clinic directly to find the soonest appointment — South Kensington 020 7183 2362 or City of London 020 7183 3709.
What does the emergency appointment cost?
A flat £30 emergency assessment fee applies. Any X-rays (£20 per image, £10 for members) and onward treatment are quoted separately, in writing, before treatment goes ahead.
Should I go to A&E for toothache?
A&E is for life-threatening situations only — facial swelling that is closing your airway or eye, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected facial fracture or trauma with loss of consciousness. For dental pain itself, an emergency dentist is the correct route. Outside our opening hours, call NHS 111.
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.
