Accidents happen — especially when it comes to teeth. Whether it’s a fall, a sports injury, or an unexpected collision, knocking out a tooth (also known as dental avulsion) can be a shocking and distressing experience. But knowing what to do immediately after can make all the difference in saving the tooth and minimizing long-term damage.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take if you or a loved one knocks out a tooth, what to avoid, and when to seek emergency dental care.
What Is a Knocked-Out Tooth?
A knocked-out tooth is when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket in the jawbone due to trauma. It’s different from a chipped or broken tooth — a knocked-out tooth means the entire tooth, including the root, is out of the mouth.
This kind of injury requires urgent attention because the sooner the tooth is re-implanted, the better the chances of saving it.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Find the Tooth
First things first: don’t panic. Quickly locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown — that’s the part you normally see in the mouth, not the root. Touching the root can damage the delicate cells needed for reattachment.
Step 2: Rinse the Tooth Gently
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it under cool running water for no more than 10 seconds. Avoid scrubbing or using soap, chemicals, or alcohol as these can harm the tooth’s cells.
Step 3: Try to Put the Tooth Back in Place
If you can, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket immediately. Carefully place it back into the hole in the gums, making sure it’s facing the right way. Hold it gently in place by biting down on a clean cloth or gauze.
If you’re unable or uncomfortable putting it back in, don’t worry — just move on to the next step.
Step 4: Keep the Tooth Moist
If reinserting isn’t possible, keeping the tooth moist is critical to prevent it from drying out, which reduces the chances of successful reimplantation.
The best options to store the tooth include:
- Placing it in milk (preferably cold)
- Using a tooth preservation kit if available
- Holding it in your mouth, between the cheek and gums (only if the person is conscious and old enough to avoid swallowing it)
- Placing it in saline solution or clean water as a last resort
Avoid storing the tooth in plain tap water for long periods, as it can damage the root cells.
Step 5: Get to the Dentist Immediately
Time is of the essence! Ideally, you should reach a dental professional within 30 minutes to 1 hour after the injury.
The dentist will:
- Examine the injured area
- Clean the tooth and socket
- Reimplant the tooth, if possible
- Stabilize it using a splint to neighboring teeth
- Provide pain management and aftercare instructions
The faster you get to the dentist, the higher the likelihood the tooth will survive long term.
What If You Can’t See a Dentist Immediately?
If immediate dental care isn’t available, continue keeping the tooth moist and seek emergency care as soon as possible. Avoid delaying treatment, as the chance of saving the tooth decreases with time.
What Not to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth
- Don’t touch the root of the tooth. It’s fragile and essential for reattachment.
- Don’t scrub or dry the tooth.
- Don’t store the tooth in dry tissue or cloth.
- Don’t attempt to reinsert the tooth if you’re a child or the person is unconscious.
- Don’t wait too long before seeing a dentist.
Possible Complications After a Knocked-Out Tooth
Even with quick action, some complications can arise, including:
- Infection
- Damage to surrounding teeth or bone
- Tooth discoloration or root resorption
- Need for root canal treatment later
Regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor healing.
Prevention Tips to Protect Your Teeth
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or activities with a high risk of impact
- Use seat belts in vehicles
- Avoid risky behaviors like chewing hard objects or using teeth as tools
Conclusion
Knocking out a tooth is a dental emergency that requires quick and calm action. By following these steps — finding the tooth, rinsing it carefully, attempting reimplantation, keeping it moist, and getting to the dentist fast — you can maximize the chances of saving your natural tooth.
Remember, immediate care is crucial. If you or someone you know experiences this injury, act quickly and seek professional dental help to protect your smile for years to come.
