What should you do if you knock out a tooth?

What should you do if you knock out a tooth

If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, pick it up by the crown (the chewing part), rinse it gently with clean water if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist in milk or in your cheek and get to an emergency dentist within 30–60 minutes whenever possible.

An avulsed permanent tooth is a true dental emergency because the root surface cells that help the tooth reattach begin to dry and die quickly. Baby teeth are handled differently—do not try to replant a knocked-out primary tooth, since that can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Sports injuries, falls, and accidents are common causes. Act calmly, control bleeding with clean gauze if needed, and prioritize getting professional care rather than waiting to see if the pain settles on its own.

What counts as a dental emergency?

What should you do for a broken tooth?

Key Points

• Handle the tooth by the crown only—avoid scrubbing or touching the root.
• Rinse briefly with water if needed; do not use soap, alcohol, or scrubbing.
• If possible, reseat a permanent tooth gently and bite on gauze to hold it.
• Otherwise store the tooth in cold milk, saliva, or a tooth-preservation kit—not dry paper towels.
• Seek emergency dental care as soon as you can; minutes matter for reimplantation success.
• Do not replant a baby tooth. Bring the tooth to the dentist and get the child evaluated.
• Go to the ER if there is heavy facial bleeding, suspected head injury, or trouble breathing.

What This Means for You

Treat a knocked-out permanent tooth as an urgent race against time: keep it moist, protect the root, and get emergency dental care immediately. Even with fast first aid, a dentist must assess whether reimplantation, splinting, or other treatment is appropriate. If you are unsure whether the tooth is permanent or primary, call an emergency dentist right away rather than guessing.

Related Reading: What counts as a dental emergency?  |  What should you do for a broken tooth?  |  Can you go to the ER for tooth pain?