What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth

Understanding Tooth Knockout Emergencies

Tooth avulsion, or a knocked-out tooth, is a dental emergency requiring immediate care. Quick, proper response improves the chance of saving the tooth and avoiding costly procedures later.

Recognizing Dental Emergencies Involving Tooth Loss and Trauma

• Common causes: falls, sports injuries, accidents
• Other emergencies: broken, chipped, dislodged teeth; facial fractures; bleeding soft tissues
• Urgent signs: Heavy bleeding, swelling, numbness, jaw dysfunction, pus, or persistent pain

Immediate First Aid for a Knocked-Out Tooth

• Handle tooth by the crown (top)—do not touch the root
• Gently rinse with milk or saliva (avoid water or chemicals)
• Reinsert: If possible, place tooth back in socket and bite on gauze
• If not: Store in milk, saliva, or tooth preservation kit
• Act fast: Seek dental care within 30–60 minutes

Seeking Emergency Dental Care

• Visit emergency dentist or ER immediately after trauma
• Control bleeding and bring the tooth with you (stored properly)
• Follow dentist instructions for post-care and antibiotics if needed

Treatment Options for Knocked-Out and Broken Teeth

• Knocked-Out Adult Tooth: Reimplantation if within 1 hour
• Storage: Keep moist in milk/saliva if reimplantation isn’t possible
• Broken Teeth: May require bonding, crowns, or root canals
• Severe Damage: May need extraction + replacement (implant, bridge, denture)

Preventing Dental Injuries

• Wear mouthguards during sports
• Avoid using teeth as tools or chewing hard items
• Ensure safe environments, especially for children
• Maintain regular dental care and hygiene
• Keep emergency dentist contact and a dental first aid kit ready

Final Advice on Managing Tooth Avulsion

Stay calm, act quickly, and follow proper first aid steps when a tooth is knocked out. Preserve the tooth properly and seek immediate dental care. Preventive habits, regular checkups, and being prepared can help save your smile in a dental emergency.