Tooth Knocked Out? What to Do Now to Save It Fast
 A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Whether it happens from a fall, sports injury, or accident, knowing exactly what to do can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth. At Wildhorse Dental, we’re here to guide you through critical first-aid steps and help you get the care you need fast.
Immediate Steps to Take When a Tooth Gets Knocked Out
When a tooth gets knocked out, every minute matters. The first 30–60 minutes are crucial for successful reimplantation.
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Stay Calm and Act Quickly - Time is essential; rapid action increases the chance of saving the tooth.
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Handle Tooth by the Crown - Never touch the root—only hold the white, chewing surface of the tooth.
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Rinse If Dirty - Gently rinse with water; do not scrub, use soap, or any cleaning agents.
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Reinsert If Possible - If it’s a permanent tooth, try placing it back in the socket and bite gently on clean cloth.
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Store Properly - If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk, the person’s saliva, or an emergency preservation kit.
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Keep Tooth Moist - Never let the tooth dry out or store it in plain water. |
Follow these steps and get to a dentist right away to improve the likelihood of saving the tooth.
Why Time Matters — The Reimplantation Window
The success of saving a knocked-out tooth greatly depends on how quickly it's treated.
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30–60 Minute Window - This is the ideal time to reimplant a tooth with the highest chance of success.
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Dehydration Damages the Root - Once a tooth dries out, critical root cells begin dying within minutes.
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Moist Storage Helps - Storing the tooth in milk or saliva slows cell damage, boosting the odds of a successful reattachment.
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Act Fast - Even if you can't reinsert the tooth yourself, get to a dentist immediately for emergency reimplantation. |
The faster you act, the more likely your tooth can be saved.
Proper Handling and Storage of the Tooth
Improper handling can make a reimplantation impossible. Be gentle and follow these safe storage tips.
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Touch Only the Crown - Avoid contact with the root to preserve living cells.
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Use the Right Liquids - Store in milk, the person’s own saliva, or a specialized tooth preservation solution.
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Keep Tooth in the Mouth If Safe - If the patient is conscious and not at risk of swallowing, place the tooth in the cheek pouch or under the tongue.
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Avoid Paper Towels - Don’t wrap the tooth in paper, napkins, or tissues that can dry it out.
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No Tap Water - Water can damage the root cells and reduce the chances of saving the tooth. |
Handling your knocked-out tooth properly improves the chances of a successful dental reimplantation.
What Not to Do After a Tooth is Knocked Out
Mistakes in the minutes following a tooth avulsion can compromise the tooth’s viability.
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Don’t Scrub or Sterilize - Avoid cleaning the tooth aggressively; this damages the root cells.
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No Alcohol or Peroxide - These chemicals destroy the periodontal ligament cells needed for reattachment.
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Don’t Delay Dental Care - ER visits may be necessary for bleeding, but otherwise go straight to an emergency dentist.
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Watch What You Eat or Drink - Avoid sugary, acidic, or hot foods and beverages until treatment.
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Avoid Drying Out the Tooth - Always keep the tooth moist during transport. |
Steering clear of these common errors can significantly boost the odds of saving your tooth.
When to See a Dentist — And What to Expect
After stabilizing your knocked-out tooth, getting to a dentist fast is your next critical step.
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See a Dentist Immediately - Emergency or general dentists can perform reimplantation quickly.
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Splinting May Be Required - The dentist may secure the tooth using a dental splint to help it heal in place.
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Root Canal Follow-Up - Most reimplanted teeth will eventually require root canal treatment to prevent infection.
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Follow-Up Appointments - Your dentist will monitor healing over the following weeks or months. |
Prompt professional care is essential for long-term tooth survival.
Dealing with a Lost Adult Tooth in Children
When children experience a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to know whether it’s a baby or permanent tooth.
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Baby Teeth Are Not Reimplanted - Replacing them could harm the developing permanent tooth underneath.
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Permanent Teeth Follow Adult Steps - If a child loses a permanent tooth, handle it like an adult emergency.
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Consult a Pediatric Dentist - Always seek expert advice when dealing with dental trauma in children. |
Understanding the type of tooth and acting appropriately is critical in pediatric dental emergencies.
Long-Term Tooth Replacement Options if Reimplantation Fails
Sometimes a knocked-out tooth can’t be saved—but modern dentistry offers excellent replacement options.
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Dental Implants - A permanent solution that mimics the structure and function of a natural tooth.
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Dental Bridges - A fixed option that replaces the missing tooth using adjacent teeth for support.
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Removable Partial Dentures - A more affordable, non-permanent replacement for one or more missing teeth.
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Customized Treatment - Your dentist will help you decide based on your age, health, and budget.
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Insurance Coverage - Plans vary widely, so contact the office for help understanding your benefits. |
While not ideal, tooth replacement options restore function, appearance, and confidence.
Set an Emergency Dental Appointment Now
If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, time is your most important ally. Many dental offices, including Wildhorse Dental, offer same-day appointments for emergencies.
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Fast Action Saves Teeth - The sooner you’re treated, the higher the success rate for saving your tooth.
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Same-Day Availability - Emergency dental services are often available without long waits.
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Call for Details - Insurance and treatment costs vary, so it's best to speak directly with the office. |
Don’t delay—call 636-537-0447 for urgent dental help today.
FAQs
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved after an hour?
Yes, but the chances decrease significantly after 60 minutes. Immediate moist storage and fast dental care can still make reimplantation possible, but outcomes vary by case.
What liquid should I store a knocked-out tooth in?
Store the tooth in cold milk, a tooth preservation solution, or inside the person's cheek or under their tongue. Do not use water, as it can damage root cells.
Should I go to the ER or a dentist for a knocked-out tooth?
Go directly to a dentist if there is no severe bleeding or trauma. Dentists are better equipped for reimplanting teeth. Only visit the ER if you’re also experiencing significant facial injuries or bleeding that won’t stop.
How can I tell if it’s a baby or permanent tooth?
Baby teeth are typically smaller and whiter. If your child is over age 6 and the tooth looks large, it may be a permanent tooth. When unsure, bring the tooth to a dentist to confirm. |
