When a tooth is badly broken down, severely infected or cannot be saved, an emergency tooth extraction is the fastest way to end the pain and stop the problem spreading. Our emergency dentist in Daventry offers urgent extractions with same-day appointments where clinically appropriate. Removal is only ever recommended when saving the tooth is not a realistic option.
Need urgent help? Call 01327 577023 or request an appointment. Emergency appointments in Daventry from £65 — see our fees.
When a tooth may need to be removed
- Extensive decay that has destroyed too much of the tooth to restore
- A tooth fractured below the gum line
- A severe infection or abscess that cannot be resolved with root canal treatment
- Advanced gum disease leaving the tooth loose
- A repeatedly infected or impacted wisdom tooth
- A failed previous root canal that cannot be retreated
Extraction or root canal?
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always preferable, and where the tooth is restorable we will recommend root canal treatment instead. The dentist will explain honestly what is realistic for your tooth, what each option costs, and what the long-term outlook is, so you can make the decision that is right for you. You will not be rushed.
What happens during the extraction
The area is thoroughly numbed with local anaesthetic, so the procedure should not be painful — most people feel pressure and movement rather than pain. Simple extractions take only a few minutes. Where a tooth is broken down or impacted, a surgical approach may be needed and a few stitches placed. The dentist will talk you through each step, and there is no obligation to proceed on the day if you would prefer to think about it.
Aftercare: how to avoid problems
- Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 30–60 minutes to control bleeding
- Do not rinse, spit or use a straw for 24 hours — this can dislodge the clot and cause a painful dry socket
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 24–48 hours
- Stick to soft, lukewarm food and chew on the other side
- From the next day, rinse gently with warm salty water after meals
- Take pain relief as directed; avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of days
Contact us if you get heavy bleeding that does not stop, severe pain starting 2–4 days after the extraction (a sign of dry socket), or spreading swelling and fever.
Replacing the tooth afterwards
Once the site has healed, a missing tooth can be replaced with a denture, a bridge or an implant. The dentist will discuss whether replacement is necessary in your case and what the options involve, so you can plan ahead rather than decide under pressure.
We help patients across Daventry, Long Buckby, Crick, Braunston, Weedon Bec, Kilsby, Norton, Badby, Staverton and the wider NN11 area.
Frequently asked questions
Does an emergency tooth extraction hurt?
The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure and movement rather than pain. Some soreness for a few days afterwards is normal and is managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Can a tooth be taken out while it is infected?
Usually yes. Removing the tooth removes the source of the infection. Occasionally, if the infection is very acute, antibiotics are given first so the anaesthetic works effectively, and the tooth is removed shortly afterwards.
How long does it take to heal after an extraction?
The gum usually closes over within one to two weeks, and the bone continues to fill in over a few months. Most people feel comfortable again within a few days, provided the aftercare advice is followed.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket is when the blood clot in the socket is lost, exposing the bone. It causes severe pain starting two to four days after the extraction. Avoid smoking, rinsing, spitting and using straws for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk. If it happens, contact us — it is easily treated.
How much does an emergency extraction cost in Daventry?
The emergency appointment starts from £65, covering assessment, X-rays where needed and immediate pain relief. The cost of the extraction depends on its complexity and is always confirmed before treatment begins.
Need urgent help? Call 01327 577023 or request an appointment. Emergency appointments in Daventry from £65 — see our fees.

