Knocked-Out Tooth? Do This Now
- Pick up the tooth by the crown, the white part, never the root.
- Rinse it gently if dirty with milk, saline, or clean water. Do not scrub it.
- If it is a permanent tooth, gently place it back into the socket without forcing it. Bite gently on clean gauze or a damp cloth to hold it in place.
- If it will not go back in, place it in a small container of milk or a tooth-preservation solution.
- Call First Avenue Dental at (919) 266-9286 and seek immediate dental care.
- Never put a baby tooth back into its socket.
A fall, sports injury, or car accident can knock out a tooth in seconds. A knocked-out permanent tooth can sometimes be saved if you act quickly and handle it correctly.
At First Avenue Dental in Knightdale, NC, we provide emergency dental care. Here is what to do in the first few minutes and what to expect during treatment.
What to Do If Your Permanent Tooth Gets Knocked Out
If a permanent tooth has been completely knocked out, the steps you take before reaching a dentist can affect the chances of saving it.
1. Pick Up the Tooth Carefully
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, the visible white part. Avoid touching the root because its surface contains delicate tissues that help support healing after reimplantation.
2. Rinse Away Loose Dirt
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk, saline, or clean water. Do not scrub the root, scrape the tooth, use disinfectants, or dry it with a tissue.
3. Reinsert the Tooth if You Can Do So Safely
If you are certain it is a permanent tooth, gently place it back into its socket. Do not force it if it does not fit easily.
Once the tooth is back in place, bite down gently on clean gauze or a damp cloth to help hold it steady on the way to the dentist.
Never attempt this with a baby tooth. If you are unsure whether the tooth is permanent, keep it moist and contact a dentist immediately for instructions.
4. Keep the Tooth Moist if It Cannot Be Reinserted
Place the tooth in a small container of milk or a tooth-preservation solution if available. Saline is another option. Avoid leaving the tooth dry or storing it in water for an extended period.
Do not ask a young child to hold the tooth in their mouth because they could swallow or inhale it.
5. Get Dental Care Immediately
Call a dentist as soon as the injury happens. Ideally, a knocked-out permanent tooth should receive professional attention within about 30 minutes. A longer delay does not automatically mean the tooth cannot be saved, but the chances of success generally decrease with time.
If the injury involves serious facial trauma, a suspected broken jaw, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?
Yes, a knocked-out permanent tooth can sometimes be saved if it is handled correctly and receives professional care quickly. The outcome depends on how long the tooth was outside the mouth, whether it stayed moist, and how the root was handled.
If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist can discuss replacement options such as a dental implant or a dental bridge.
What If a Baby Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
A knocked-out baby tooth requires a different response from a knocked-out permanent tooth.
Never try to reinsert a baby tooth. Putting it back into the socket can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Instead, gently apply clean gauze to control bleeding if necessary, and contact a dentist for guidance. A dental examination can help identify injuries to the gums, surrounding teeth, and supporting structures.
If a child loses a tooth during sports or another physical activity, consider having a custom-fitted sports guard made to help reduce the risk of future dental injuries. Learn more about preventive dental care.
What Should You Avoid After a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
A few common mistakes can reduce the chances of saving a permanent tooth:
- Do not touch or scrub the root. Handle the tooth by its crown.
- Do not let the tooth dry out. Keep it moist while arranging treatment.
- Do not force it into the socket. Stop if it does not fit easily.
- Never reinsert a baby tooth. This can harm the developing permanent tooth.
- Do not delay professional care. A knocked-out permanent tooth needs immediate assessment, even if there is little pain.
What Happens During Treatment for a Knocked-Out Tooth?
When you arrive at the dental office, the dentist will examine the injury and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Examination and Diagnosis
The dentist will assess the tooth, gums, and surrounding structures. Dental X-rays may be needed to check for damage to the supporting bone or nearby teeth.
Reimplantation and Stabilization
If appropriate, the dentist may place the permanent tooth back into its socket and stabilize it with a splint. This helps hold the tooth in position while the surrounding tissues heal.
Follow-Up Care
A replanted tooth requires monitoring, and additional treatment may be necessary. Depending on the injury and the tooth’s development, the dentist may recommend root canal treatment to address damage to the tooth’s internal tissues.
If reimplantation is not possible or unsuccessful, your dentist can explain suitable replacement options based on your oral health and individual needs.
Knocked-Out Tooth? Call First Avenue Dental Right Away
If a permanent tooth has just been knocked out, call First Avenue Dental at (919) 266-9286. Explain what happened, when the injury occurred, and whether you have been able to reinsert the tooth. Our team can provide guidance and help arrange an appointment.
First Avenue Dental
106 N First Avenue
Knightdale, NC 27545
Phone: (919) 266-9286
Visit our Dental Emergencies page for more information about urgent dental care.
Worried About Cost or Anxiety?
Our dental membership plan includes one emergency visit. Financing options are also available through CareCredit and Cherry. Visit our Membership Plan page and Insurance & Financing page for more information about available options.
Dental injuries can be stressful, especially when you are already in pain. First Avenue Dental offers sedation options for patients who experience dental anxiety. Contact the office to discuss whether an option is appropriate for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knocked-Out Teeth
How long can a knocked-out tooth stay out of the mouth?
A permanent tooth has the best chance of successful reimplantation when it is returned to its socket as soon as possible, ideally within about 30 minutes. The longer it remains outside the mouth, particularly if it dries out, the lower the likelihood of success. Seek dental care immediately, even if more time has passed.
Should I put a knocked-out tooth in milk?
Yes. If you cannot safely reinsert a permanent tooth, milk is a practical way to keep it moist while you travel to the dentist. A dedicated tooth-preservation solution is another option. Avoid scrubbing the tooth or wrapping it in dry tissue.
Can a dentist save a tooth that has been knocked out for an hour?
It may still be possible. The chances of successful reimplantation generally decrease as time passes, but an hour outside the mouth does not automatically mean the tooth cannot be saved. Keep it moist and contact a dentist immediately.
Is a knocked-out baby tooth a dental emergency?
A knocked-out baby tooth should be evaluated promptly, especially if there is significant bleeding, pain, or another injury. Do not attempt to reinsert it because doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth.
What if my tooth is loose but has not fallen out?
A loose or displaced tooth following an injury also requires prompt dental evaluation. Avoid wiggling it or biting down on it, and contact a dentist immediately. Depending on the injury, the tooth may need to be repositioned and stabilized.
What if I cannot find the knocked-out tooth?
Seek prompt dental or medical advice, particularly if the injury involved a significant impact. If you suspect the tooth was inhaled, or the person has difficulty breathing, choking, or persistent coughing after the accident, seek emergency medical care.
Should I go to the emergency room or a dentist for a knocked-out tooth?
For an isolated knocked-out tooth, contact a dentist immediately because prompt dental treatment may help save it. Go to an emergency department for serious facial injuries, a suspected jaw fracture, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or other significant medical concerns.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Smile
A knocked-out permanent tooth does not always mean permanent tooth loss. Handling the tooth correctly, keeping it moist, and getting immediate professional care can improve the chances of saving it.
If you or your child loses a tooth following an injury, call First Avenue Dental at (919) 266-9286 for guidance.
When it comes to dental trauma, every minute matters.