What to Do About a Knocked-Out Tooth

A dental emergency can happen in an instant. Knowing what to do in those critical moments can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

At Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, Hannah Baek, DDS, provides expert advice to protect her patients’ oral health, especially during urgent situations like a knocked-out tooth. 

Act quickly to save the tooth

When a tooth gets knocked out, time is crucial. You should see a dentist within 30-60 minutes. The sooner the dentist places the tooth, the better the chances of saving it. 

First, locate the tooth and handle it carefully by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. Touching the root can damage delicate cells needed for successful reattachment.

Clean and protect the tooth

If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. Avoid using tap water unless it's the only option, and never scrub the tooth or remove any tissue fragments. 

Once clean, try to return the tooth to the socket. Gently push it in with your fingers and hold it in place by biting down softly on a piece of gauze or cloth.

Keep the tooth moist if reinsertion fails

If you can't reinsert the tooth, keep it moist. The best option is to place it in a container of milk or a tooth preservation solution such as Save-a-Tooth. 

If those aren't available, hold the tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gums or wrap it in a clean cloth soaked in saliva. Keeping the tooth moist is essential for its survival.

See us right away

Even if saving the tooth isn't possible, seek dental care immediately. A knocked-out tooth often damages surrounding tissues, which can lead to infection or other complications.

Dr. Baek examines the injury, cleans the area, and discusses tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures.

Take steps to prevent dental injuries

Preventing dental trauma is always best. If you or your child plays contact sports, wear a mouthguard. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bottles, and be cautious with hard foods and candies that could cause damage.

Dental emergency kit checklist

Being prepared for a dental emergency can make a big difference. Keep a small kit in your car, home, or gym bag with these essential items:

• Sterile gauze pads
• A clean container with a lid to store a knocked-out tooth
• A bottle of saline solution or sterile water
• A small bottle of milk with a long shelf life
• Dental wax, useful for covering sharp edges if a tooth chips
• Over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen
• Emergency contact card with your dentist's information

Having these supplies on hand can help you act quickly and give the knocked-out tooth the best chance of survival.

Respond quickly and stay calm

Quick thinking and immediate action can greatly improve the chances of saving a knocked-out tooth. Don’t panic — follow these steps and get professional help right away.

If you experience a dental emergency or want to learn more about protecting your smile, call Healthy Smile Dental or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Baek today.