The Steps to Take If You’ve Suffered a Knocked-Out Tooth

Knocking out a permanent tooth can be a frightening experience, whether it happens during a sporting event, a fall, or another accident. The good news is that acting quickly can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth. Knowing what to do before you reach the dentist can make all the difference in the outcome of your dental emergency.

Stay Calm and Find the Tooth

The first step is to remain as calm as possible and locate the knocked-out tooth. Pick it up carefully by the crown—the part you normally see in your mouth—and avoid touching the root. The root contains delicate tissues that are essential for successful reattachment and handling it can damage these cells.

If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or clean water for a few seconds. Do not scrub it, dry it with a towel, or use soap or other cleaning products.

Try to Reinsert the Tooth

If the tooth is a permanent tooth and you’re able to do so safely, try placing it back into its socket. Make sure it is facing the correct direction, then gently bite down on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to help keep it in place.

If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, keep it moist until you can see a dentist. Place it in a container of milk or a tooth preservation solution if one is available. If neither option is available, holding the tooth inside your cheek may help, but only if there is no risk of swallowing it. Avoid storing the tooth in plain water for long periods, as this can reduce the chances of successful reimplantation.

Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately

Time is critical when a tooth has been knocked out. Contact your dentist or an emergency dental office as soon as possible and explain what happened. Ideally, treatment should begin within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury, although teeth can sometimes be successfully replanted even after a longer period if they have been stored properly.

While waiting for your appointment, control any bleeding by gently biting on clean gauze and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.

What About Baby Teeth?

If a child knocks out a baby tooth, do not try to place it back into the socket. Reimplanting a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, contact your dentist promptly so they can examine your child’s mouth and determine whether any additional treatment is needed.

A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency, but fast action can make a big difference. By handling the tooth carefully, keeping it moist, and seeking immediate dental care, you can greatly increase the likelihood of saving your natural tooth and protecting your long-term oral health.

About the Practice

If you’ve suffered a knocked-out tooth or other type of dental emergency, we have same-day appointments available for patients who require urgent care. You can trust our team with decades of emergency experience to handle your situation. We also feature advanced technology that leads to faster and higher-quality care. Don’t delay if you’re in pain. Book online or call our Jacksonville office at (904) 751-4958.