Severe, throbbing toothache is often caused by an infected or inflamed nerve inside the tooth. Root canal treatment removes that infection, relieves the pain and saves the natural tooth, so it does not have to be taken out. Our emergency dentist in Doncaster can see you urgently to settle the pain and begin treatment, with same-day appointments where clinically appropriate.
Signs you may need root canal treatment
- Severe, throbbing toothache, sometimes worse at night
- Pain that lingers after hot or cold food and drink
- Pain when biting or putting pressure on the tooth
- Swelling of the gum, or a small “pimple” or gum boil near the tooth
- A tooth that has darkened in colour
- A history of a large filling, deep decay or trauma to the tooth
What an emergency root canal involves
The priority at your emergency visit is to relieve your pain. After numbing the area with local anaesthetic, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed nerve tissue from inside the tooth, cleans the canals and settles the infection. In many cases a temporary filling is placed and the pain eases quickly. The full root canal is then completed over one or more follow-up visits, and the tooth is usually protected with a permanent filling or a crown afterwards. Everything, including costs, is explained clearly before treatment begins.
Does an emergency root canal hurt?
Modern root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so it should feel similar to having a filling. For most people the procedure actually relieves the severe pain they arrived with. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal and settles with over-the-counter pain relief.
Root canal or extraction?
Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth, which is almost always better than losing it. The alternative is usually extraction, which we only recommend when the tooth cannot be saved. We will talk you through the options so you can decide what is right for you.
Emergency root canal — FAQs
No — it is done under local anaesthetic and usually relieves the severe pain you arrived with. Mild tenderness afterwards settles with over-the-counter pain relief.
Can a root canal be done in one visit?
The emergency visit focuses on relieving pain and settling the infection, often with a temporary filling. The treatment is then completed over one or more follow-up appointments.
How much does root canal treatment cost?
The emergency appointment starts from £65, and the full cost of treatment is explained clearly before it begins.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
Often yes. A root-treated tooth is usually protected with a permanent filling or a crown to keep it strong and long-lasting.
Is root canal better than having the tooth out?
In most cases, yes — it saves your natural tooth. Extraction is only recommended when the tooth cannot be saved.
