What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth

Understanding Tooth Knockout Emergencies

Tooth avulsion—or a knocked-out tooth—is a dental emergency that requires immediate action. Fast, informed care can mean the difference between saving or losing the tooth. This guide outlines what to do if a tooth is knocked out, including emergency care and long-term treatment options.

Recognizing Dental Emergencies Involving Tooth Loss and Trauma

• Common Causes: Falls, sports injuries, and facial trauma.
• Other Emergencies: Chipped, broken, or dislodged teeth, facial fractures, and bleeding soft tissues.
• Urgent Signs: Uncontrolled bleeding, intense pain, swelling, numbness, facial asymmetry, or jaw immobility.

If a tooth is lost or trauma is suspected, seek emergency dental or medical care immediately.

Immediate First Aid and Handling of a Knocked-Out Tooth

• Handle the tooth by the crown only—avoid touching the root.
• If dirty, rinse gently with milk or saliva—never scrub or use soap or tap water.
• Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket; bite on gauze to hold it in place.
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit.
• See a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Seeking Emergency Dental Care After Tooth Trauma

• Call an emergency dentist or go to the ER for severe cases.
• Bring the tooth (in milk/saliva) with you.
• Control bleeding gently with gauze or a clean cloth.
• Avoid eating or disturbing the injured area before treatment.

Treatment Options for Knocked-Out and Broken Teeth

• Reimplantation: Best for adult teeth within 30–60 minutes of injury.
• Moist Storage: Preserves periodontal ligaments for later reinsertion.
• Chipped Teeth: Can be repaired with bonding or crowns.
• Root Canal: Required if pulp damage or infection occurs.
• Tooth Replacement: Implants, bridges, or dentures may be used if saving the tooth is not possible.

Prevention and Importance of Prompt Action in Dental Injuries

• Wear mouthguards for contact sports.
• Avoid using teeth to open packages or chew hard objects.
• Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce infection risk.
• Install childproofing at home and use seatbelts during travel.
• Keep emergency dentist contact info and a dental first aid kit handy.

Summary and Final Advice on Managing Knocked-Out Teeth

Tooth avulsion can be scary, but knowing what to do can save your smile. Handle the tooth with care, store it properly, and get to a dentist fast. Preventive measures like mouthguards and dental hygiene can reduce risk. Act quickly and responsibly for the best possible outcome.