A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies you can experience. When a permanent tooth is fully dislodged, the clock starts ticking immediately. Acting fast—ideally within the first hour—offers the best chance of saving the tooth and restoring your smile. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help you stay calm and protect your long-term oral health. Here are the essential steps to take if you or your child experiences this type of emergency.
Stay Calm and Find the Tooth
The first and most important step is to remain as calm as possible. Panic makes it harder to think clearly, and every moment matters. Locate the tooth right away, making sure to avoid touching the root. Pick it up only by the crown—the white, chewing surface—to protect the delicate root fibers that help with successful reattachment.
Rinse the Tooth Gently (If Needed)
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it very gently with clean water for just a second or two. Do not use soap, scrub the tooth, or wrap it in a tissue or cloth. These actions can damage the periodontal ligament cells that are vital for reimplantation. The goal is simply to remove visible debris without disturbing the natural structures that help the tooth heal back in place.
Try to Place the Tooth Back in the Socket
The best place for a knocked-out tooth is its original home. If you can, carefully place the tooth back into the socket, making sure it is facing the correct direction. Gently bite down on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to keep it in place. Many people are surprised to learn that replanting the tooth right away significantly increases the chance of long-term success.
Keep the Tooth Moist if You Cannot Reinsert It
If reinserting the tooth is not possible, it is crucial to keep it moist. Saliva is one of the best natural storage solutions—placing the tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gums is often recommended for adults. For children, or if this method is unsafe, place the tooth in a container of milk. Milk helps preserve the cells on the root surface, giving your dentist the best opportunity to save the tooth.
Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
After securing the tooth, contact an emergency dentist right away. A knocked-out permanent tooth is extremely time sensitive, and prompt treatment is key to a successful outcome. The sooner the dentist can evaluate and reimplant the tooth, the better the chances of it surviving. Even if you’re unsure whether the tooth can be saved, it’s always worth seeking immediate care.
Protect Your Smile Going Forward
After the tooth is treated, your dentist may recommend follow-up visits, adjustments, or even a splint to stabilize the tooth while it heals. Taking steps to prevent future injuries—such as wearing a mouthguard during sports—can also help safeguard your smile.
Knowing how to handle a knocked-out tooth can make all the difference in preserving your natural smile.
About the Practice
Patients can count on Dr. Deval Parmar of Archway Dental in McKinney to provide prompt, compassionate emergency dentistry services. We help patients receive immediate care when accidents occur. Our team is experienced in saving injured teeth and restoring oral health quickly and comfortably.
Call us at (972) 972-4646 or request an appointment online.