What to Do if Your Tooth is Knocked Out: A Step-by-Step Guide

Accidents happen, and when they involve a knocked-out tooth, immediate action is crucial. A tooth that has been completely displaced from its socket—also known as an avulsed tooth—is a serious dental emergency. In fact, you have only 30 to 60 minutes to save the tooth before the chances of successful reattachment drop significantly.

Whether the tooth was lost due to a sports injury, fall, or other trauma, knowing what to do in those critical first moments can make all the difference in preserving your natural smile.

How to Improve Your Odds of Saving a Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out, time is of the essence. Follow these essential steps to increase the chances of reattachment.

1. Locate the Tooth and Any Fragments

The first thing to do is find the knocked-out tooth as quickly as possible. If it broke into pieces, try to collect all fragments, as your dentist may be able to repair the damage.

2. Handle the Tooth Properly

• DO NOT touch the root of the tooth. The root contains delicate cells and ligaments that are essential for successful reattachment.
• Hold the tooth only by the crown (the top part that is normally visible in the mouth).

3. Rinse the Tooth Gently

If the tooth has fallen on the ground and collected dirt or debris, rinse it lightly with clean, lukewarm water or whole milk. Avoid excessive handling or scrubbing.

• DO NOT use soap, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or any cleaning solutions.
• DO NOT dry the tooth with a towel or cloth, as this can cause further damage.

4. Keep the Tooth Moist at All Times

The best way to preserve the tooth is to keep it moist until you reach a dentist. Here are three effective methods:

Option 1: Reinsert the Tooth in the Socket (Best Method)

• Try to gently place the tooth back into the empty socket.
• Make sure it is facing the right way and fits snugly.
• Bite down gently on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to hold the tooth in place.

Option 2: Store the Tooth in Your Cheek

• If reinsertion is not possible, hold the tooth inside your mouth, between your cheek and gums.
• Be careful not to swallow it.

Option 3: Place the Tooth in Milk (Best for Children)

• If reinserting or storing the tooth in the mouth is not an option, place it in a small container of whole milk.
• This helps keep the tooth’s root cells alive and prevents drying out.
• Avoid storing the tooth in plain water, as this can damage the root.

Pain Management and Bleeding Control

After securing the tooth, take these steps to manage pain and bleeding:

• Use a sterile gauze or clean cloth to gently apply pressure to the area and stop the bleeding.
• Apply a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of the mouth, near the injury, to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed to alleviate pain.

See an Emergency Dentist Immediately

Once the tooth has been secured and bleeding is under control, head to a dentist right away. The best chance of successfully saving the tooth is within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury.

A dentist will:

• Assess the condition of the tooth and gum tissue.
• Attempt to reattach and stabilize the tooth using splints.
• Monitor healing and provide follow-up care to ensure long-term success.

If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement options, such as a dental implant or bridge, to restore function and appearance.

Preventing Future Dental Injuries

To reduce the risk of losing a tooth in the future, consider these preventive measures:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or engaging in high-risk activities.
• Avoid using teeth to open packages or bite into hard objects like ice, pens, or bottle caps.
• Practice good oral hygiene to keep teeth and gums strong.

Final Thoughts on Knocked-Out Tooth Care

Losing a tooth can be a frightening experience, but acting fast can make all the difference in saving it. By handling the tooth properly, keeping it moist, and seeing a dentist immediately, you significantly improve the chances of successful reattachment.

Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it permanently—so be prepared and act quickly!