Knocked Out a Tooth? Here’s What to Do Next

Knocking out a tooth can be a frightening experience, especially when it happens unexpectedly. Whether it occurs during sports, an accident, or a simple fall, a knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. The good news is that acting quickly and handling the tooth carefully may give it a better chance of being saved. Knowing how to handle a knocked-out tooth before an emergency happens can help you respond with confidence.

Find the Tooth and Handle It Carefully

The first step is to locate the tooth. When you pick it up, hold it by the crown, which is the part that normally sits above the gumline. Avoid touching the root whenever possible. The root contains delicate tissues that are important for successful reinsertion, and handling it can cause additional damage.

If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with clean water. Don’t scrub it, scrape it, or use soap or other cleaning products.

Try to Put the Tooth Back in Place

If you’re comfortable doing so, gently try to place the tooth back into its socket. Make sure it’s facing the correct direction, but don’t force it into position. If it won’t go back in easily, don’t push it.

For young children, or anyone who may accidentally swallow the tooth, it’s generally safer to keep it moist rather than attempting reinsertion.

Keep the Tooth Moist

If you can’t put the tooth back into its socket, keeping it moist is extremely important. Ideally, place the tooth in a container of milk. You can also use a tooth-preservation solution if one is available.

Avoid storing the tooth in tap water for an extended period, and never allow it to dry out. You can also ask a dental professional or medical provider for guidance about the best way to preserve it while you’re getting emergency care.

Contact a Dentist Immediately

Once the tooth is located and safely preserved, contact an emergency dentist right away. Don’t wait to see whether the tooth starts feeling better. A knocked-out permanent tooth needs prompt professional attention, and getting treatment as soon as possible can improve the chances of successful reattachment.

If you’re unable to reach your dentist quickly, an emergency medical facility may be able to provide initial assistance or help direct you to appropriate dental care.

Control Bleeding and Protect Your Mouth

While you’re arranging emergency care, gently rinse your mouth if necessary. If the socket is bleeding, place clean gauze over the area and apply gentle pressure. A cold compress against the outside of your cheek can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Remember that a knocked-out tooth may not be the only injury. If the accident involved a significant blow to the face or head, seek medical attention for other possible injuries as well.

What About Baby Teeth?

A knocked-out baby tooth is handled differently from a permanent tooth. Do not attempt to put a baby tooth back into its socket, as doing so could potentially damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, contact your child’s dental professional as soon as possible for guidance.

Knowing how to handle a knocked-out tooth can make a stressful situation much easier to navigate.

About the Practice

Wedgewood Complete Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care with an emphasis on helping patients maintain healthy, confident smiles. Dr. Ryan Eskridge offers emergency dental services for unexpected oral health problems and can help patients determine the appropriate next steps when urgent dental treatment is needed. The dental team is available to evaluate dental emergencies and provide individualized care based on each patient’s needs.

Call us at (614) 792-0063 or schedule your appointment online