If you knock out an adult tooth, pick it up by the crown, rinse it gently, try to place it back in the socket, and get to a dentist within an hour if you can. The sooner it’s back in place, the better the chance it can be saved.
Here’s the step-by-step, plus the mistakes that reduce the odds of saving the tooth.
What to Do Right Away
Find the tooth and handle it by the crown. The crown is the white part you chew with. Avoid touching the root, since the tissue on it is what helps the tooth reattach.
Rinse it briefly if it’s dirty. Use milk or a saline solution if you have it, or clean water for a few seconds. Don’t scrub it or remove any tissue that’s still attached.
Try to put it back in the socket. Gently push it in with the correct side facing out, then bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place. Don’t force it if it won’t go.
If you can’t reinsert it, keep it moist. Place it in a small container of cold milk or saline. For an adult, tucking it inside your cheek also works, as long as there’s no risk of swallowing it.
Call your dentist and go immediately. Tell them it’s a knocked-out tooth so they can prepare for you.
What Not to Do
- Don’t hold the tooth by the root
- Don’t scrub it or use soap or mouthwash
- Don’t let it dry out or wrap it in tissue
- Don’t store it in plain tap water for long
- Don’t try to put a baby tooth back in, since it can damage the adult tooth underneath
Managing Pain and Bleeding in the Meantime
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding
- Hold a cold compress against your cheek to reduce swelling
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label
- Keep your head elevated and avoid hot drinks
Who Needs to Be Extra Careful
Parents of young children should check whether the tooth is a baby tooth or an adult one. Baby teeth aren’t reinserted, but the child still needs to be seen.
Athletes face the highest risk, which is why a custom mouthguard matters. Our sports guards page explains the options, and if a tooth only chips, our post on whether bonding can fix chipped teeth covers the repair.
Anyone who also hit their head should be checked for a concussion or other injury before anything else.
What Happens at the Dentist
Your dentist will examine the tooth and the socket, take X-rays, and reposition the tooth if it can be saved. It’s usually held in place with a splint for a couple of weeks. Root canal treatment is often needed later because the nerve doesn’t always survive the injury, and follow-up visits are important to make sure the tooth is healing.
FAQ
How long do I have to save a knocked-out tooth?
The best results come within about an hour. After that, the chances drop, though it’s still worth getting seen.
Can a knocked-out tooth be put back in permanently?
Often, yes, when it’s replanted quickly and handled properly. Success depends on how fast it goes back in and how it was stored.
What if I can’t find the tooth?
Still go in right away. Your dentist can check whether it was swallowed, lodged in the gum, or lost, and plan a replacement if needed.
Can I use water to store the tooth?
Only briefly. Milk or saline is better, because plain water can damage the root cells.
What if the tooth can’t be saved?
Options include a dental implant or bridge, which your dentist can go over once the area has healed.
Lost a Tooth? Call Us Now
Every minute counts. Summer Smile Dental in South Gate provides emergency dental care for injuries like this. Contact us right away.