Knocked-Out Tooth Emergency in London
A knocked-out (avulsed) adult tooth is a genuine dental emergency. The chance of saving the tooth drops sharply with every minute that passes. If the tooth is re-implanted within 30 minutes, the prognosis is significantly better. Call us straight away — South Kensington 020 7183 2362 or City of London 020 7183 3709.
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
- →Pick the tooth up by the CROWN (the white biting part), not the root.
- →If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline for a few seconds. Do not scrub it, do not use soap, do not let it dry out.
- →Try to place the tooth back into its socket the right way round and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- →If you cannot re-implant it, store the tooth in cold milk (not water). Saliva (in the mouth between cheek and gum, for older patients) is a second-best option.
- →Call the clinic immediately and head straight there. Do not delay to arrange anything else.
- →For baby (deciduous) teeth, do NOT re-implant — bring the child for assessment.
Call 999 or go to A&E
If a knock-out injury is accompanied by loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, severe head pain, suspected facial or jaw fracture, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 999 or go to A&E first. Dental treatment can follow once you are medically stable.
How We Treat Knocked-Out Tooth Emergency
On arrival we will assess the tooth, re-implant or re-position it if appropriate, splint it to the neighbouring teeth, take X-rays to check for root or bone fracture, and plan follow-up which will usually include root canal treatment over the following 1–2 weeks. Outcomes vary — even with prompt treatment, some avulsed teeth are eventually lost; we will be honest with you about the prognosis.
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:
- •Sports injuries (cycling, contact sports, hockey, rugby, boxing).
- •Falls — particularly in children and older adults.
- •Road traffic incidents.
- •Assault or unexpected impact to the face.
- •Accidents at work involving impact to the mouth or jaw.
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 |
Splinting (avulsion / luxation) Per arch, fitted under local anaesthetic. | from £250 | from £125 |
Root canal — front tooth (incisor/canine) Crown usually recommended afterwards. | from £695 | from £347.50 |
Crown (porcelain / metal-ceramic) Per tooth. | from £995 | from £497.50 |
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:
- ✓Eat a soft diet for 1–2 weeks while the splint is in place.
- ✓Brush carefully around the splint and rinse with chlorhexidine mouthwash (if not allergic) twice daily.
- ✓Attend all follow-up appointments — re-implanted teeth need monitoring for 1–2 years.
- ✓A root canal will usually be needed within 7–14 days to prevent root resorption.
- ✓A custom mouthguard is strongly recommended before returning to contact sports.
If anything worries you between appointments, phone the clinic — we would much rather hear from you early than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do I need to be seen?
As quickly as possible. The first 30 minutes are critical. Outcomes drop sharply after 60 minutes outside the mouth. If you have re-implanted the tooth yourself, come straight in — we will stabilise it.
What should I store the tooth in if I cannot re-implant it?
Cold milk is best. If milk is not available, saline solution is acceptable. Do not store in water — water damages the cells on the root surface. Saliva (between the cheek and gum, for older patients only) is a third option.
Can baby teeth be re-implanted?
No. Knocked-out baby teeth should NOT be re-implanted because it can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Bring the child for assessment anyway so we can check for other injuries.
Will the tooth survive long-term?
We cannot guarantee this. Even with prompt treatment, root resorption and eventual loss of the tooth can happen years later. We will discuss likely outcomes and back-up options (implant, bridge, denture) honestly with you.
What if the tooth is broken as well as knocked out?
Bring all the fragments you can find in milk or saliva. Some can be bonded back; others cannot. We will assess on arrival.
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.
