A broken, chipped or knocked-out tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies we see. Whether it happened during sport, an accident, or simply biting into something hard, prompt treatment gives the best chance of saving the tooth and preventing infection. Our emergency dentist in Daventry can see you urgently, with same-day appointments where clinically appropriate.
Need urgent help? Call 01327 577023 or request an appointment. Emergency appointments in Daventry from £65 — see our fees.
Knocked-out adult tooth: what to do in the first 30 minutes
A knocked-out adult tooth is a true dental emergency. Acting quickly makes a real difference to whether the tooth can be saved:
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part) — never touch the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or cold running water. Do not scrub it or use soap.
- If you can, gently push it back into the socket the right way round and bite on a clean handkerchief to hold it in place.
- If you cannot reinsert it, keep it in a cup of milk (or hold it inside your cheek) — never in water.
- Call us immediately on 01327 577023. The best results come from being seen within an hour.
Do not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth — this can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Call us for advice instead.
Chipped and cracked teeth
Not every broken tooth is painful straight away, but even a small chip can leave the inner layers of the tooth exposed, which leads to sensitivity, decay and infection over time. A cracked tooth may only hurt when you bite down or release. Any of the following should be looked at urgently:
- A sharp edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and drink
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Visible pink or red tissue in the middle of the broken tooth
- Bleeding from the tooth or surrounding gum
How broken teeth are treated
Treatment depends on how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the nerve is involved. Options include smoothing and bonding a small chip with tooth-coloured composite, placing a filling or crown, root canal treatment if the nerve is exposed, or splinting a loosened tooth to its neighbours while it re-attaches. Extraction is only recommended when the tooth genuinely cannot be saved. The dentist will explain the options and the cost before anything is started.
While you wait for your appointment
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salty water
- Cover any sharp edge with a piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the face to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet
- Avoid chewing on that side and avoid very hot or cold food and drink
- Keep any broken fragments and bring them with you
We help patients across Daventry, Long Buckby, Crick, Braunston, Weedon Bec, Kilsby, Norton, Badby, Staverton and the wider NN11 area.
Frequently asked questions
Can a knocked-out tooth be put back in?
Often yes, if you act fast. Handle it by the crown, keep it in milk, and get to a dentist within the hour. The longer the tooth is out of the socket and allowed to dry, the lower the chance of it re-attaching successfully.
Should I go to A&E with a broken tooth?
A&E does not usually provide dental treatment. Go to A&E only if you have serious facial injury, uncontrolled bleeding, a suspected broken jaw, or you were knocked unconscious. Otherwise an emergency dentist is the right place.
Is a chipped tooth an emergency if it does not hurt?
It should still be assessed promptly. A chip that is painless today can expose the inner dentine and nerve, leading to sensitivity, decay and infection later. Early repair is usually simpler and cheaper.
How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth in Daventry?
The emergency appointment starts from £65, which covers assessment, X-rays where needed and immediate pain relief. The cost of the repair itself depends on the treatment required and is always quoted clearly before it begins.
Can you fix a broken tooth on the same day?
In many cases yes. Small chips can often be bonded in a single visit, and a temporary repair can usually be provided the same day even when more extensive work is needed later.
Need urgent help? Call 01327 577023 or request an appointment. Emergency appointments in Daventry from £65 — see our fees.
