A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies you can experience. Whether it happens during a sports game, an accident, or a sudden fall, the key to saving the tooth lies in how quickly and carefully you act. In many cases, a knocked-out (or “avulsed”) tooth can be successfully replanted if handled properly and treated by a dentist within an hour. Here’s what to do right away to give your tooth the best chance of survival.
Step 1: Find and Handle the Tooth Carefully
If your tooth gets knocked out, locate it immediately and pick it up by the crown — the white part that’s normally visible in your mouth. Avoid touching the root, as this area contains delicate cells that are essential for reattachment. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. Do not scrub, dry, or use soap or chemicals to clean it.
Step 2: Try to Reinsert the Tooth
If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket. Hold it in place with light pressure or by gently biting down on a piece of clean gauze. Keeping the tooth in its original position is ideal because it helps preserve the living tissues needed for successful reattachment.
If you can’t reinsert the tooth, move on to step three — keeping it moist until you can reach a dentist.
Step 3: Keep the Tooth Moist
A tooth that dries out for more than 30 minutes is much less likely to survive. If reinserting it isn’t an option, the next best thing is to keep it moist. You can:
- Place it in a container of milk
- Keep it in your mouth between your cheek and gum (if it’s safe for you to do so)
- Use an emergency tooth preservation kit if one is available
Avoid storing the tooth in water, as this can damage the root surface and reduce the chance of successful reattachment.
Step 4: Get to a Dentist Immediately
Time is critical — ideally, you should see a dentist or endodontist within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury. Bring the tooth with you, even if it looks damaged. Your dental team will clean the area, reinsert the tooth, and may splint it to the surrounding teeth to stabilize it as it heals.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend a root canal after the tooth has been repositioned to preserve it long-term. Even if the tooth cannot be saved, prompt treatment can prevent infection and protect your surrounding teeth and gums.
A knocked-out tooth can be alarming, but acting fast and following these steps can make all the difference in saving your smile.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Associates of South Tampa, our experienced team is dedicated to providing fast, effective emergency dental care when you need it most. Whether you’ve knocked out a tooth or are dealing with sudden pain, we’ll provide expert treatment to protect your oral health and restore your comfort.
Call us at (813) 831-8588 or request an appointment online.