A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency, but quick action can save it. Whether it happens during sports, an accident, or a fall, knowing what to do immediately can make the difference between keeping or losing the tooth. This guide walks you through the best steps to take if you or someone you know loses a tooth unexpectedly.
TL;DR: Quick Guide
- Stay calm and find the tooth immediately.
- Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root.
- Rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub.
- Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible.
- If reinsertion is not possible, store it in milk or saliva.
- Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
1. Stay Calm and Find the Tooth
Panicking can make it harder to act quickly.
- Take a deep breath and locate the missing tooth immediately.
- If it is dirty, do not scrub or remove any tissue attached to it.
- Check for injuries in the mouth, gums, and lips.
2. Handle the Tooth Carefully
The root is delicate, so improper handling can reduce the chances of successful reinsertion.
- Always hold the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root.
- Avoid touching or scrubbing the root, as it contains important ligament fibers needed for reattachment.
- If the tooth is covered in dirt or debris, rinse it gently with water.
3. Try to Put the Tooth Back in Its Socket
Reinserting the tooth immediately increases the chances of saving it.
- If the tooth is intact and clean, try to place it back into the socket.
- Hold it in place by gently biting down on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth.
- Do not force it—if it does not go in easily, move to the next step.
4. Keep the Tooth Moist
If reinsertion is not possible, keeping the tooth moist is crucial.
- Place the tooth in a small container of milk to preserve its root cells.
- If milk is not available, store the tooth in saliva (such as inside the cheek).
- Avoid using water, as it can damage the root surface.
5. Get to a Dentist Immediately
Time is critical—the sooner you get professional help, the better.
- Visit a dentist or emergency room within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
- If the original tooth cannot be reinserted, the dentist may discuss replacement options like dental implants or bridges.
- For children who knock out baby teeth, avoid reinserting them—see a dentist to prevent complications.
6. Follow-Up Care
After treatment, proper care ensures healing and reduces complications.
- The dentist may splint the tooth to neighboring teeth for stability.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side for several weeks.
- Follow oral hygiene instructions to prevent infection.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Key Takeaways
- Act fast to improve the chances of saving a knocked-out tooth.
- Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse it gently.
- If possible, reinsert the tooth into its socket immediately.
- If reinsertion is not possible, store it in milk or saliva to keep it moist.
- Seek emergency dental care within 30–60 minutes for the best outcome.
FAQs
1. What if I can’t find the tooth?
If the tooth is lost, see a dentist as soon as possible to discuss replacement options like implants or bridges.
2. Can I use water instead of milk to store the tooth?
No, water can damage the root cells. Milk or saliva are better options for preserving the tooth.
3. What if a baby tooth gets knocked out?
Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth. Visit a pediatric dentist to ensure proper healing and prevent damage to permanent teeth.
4. Is a knocked-out tooth always salvageable?
Not always, but quick action improves the chances. Teeth reinserted within 30–60 minutes have the best survival rate.
5. What happens if I wait too long to see a dentist?
Delays can lead to tooth loss, infection, or bone damage, requiring more extensive treatments.