Follow These Steps to Save Your Knocked-Out Tooth

It happens in an instant. One wrong move during a game, a sudden fall, or an unexpected bump — and your tooth has been knocked out. While it can be scary, a knocked-out tooth doesn’t always mean it’s lost for good. It may be possible to save it with quick action and the right steps.

Dr. Patricia Swaintek-Lamb and our team at Proud to Smile Dentistry in Bernardsville, New Jersey, can help you with emergency dentistry.  Time is critical, though. The faster you respond, the better your chances of successful reattachment. Here’s exactly what to do if a permanent tooth gets knocked out.

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root

Your instinct might be to grab the whole tooth and check it out. But it’s important to handle it carefully. Always pick up the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root. The root is covered in delicate tissue that helps it reattach. Touching it can reduce the odds of a successful recovery.

2. Gently rinse the tooth if it’s dirty

If the tooth falls on the ground or gets dirty, rinse it with milk or saline solution. Tap water is okay if nothing else is available, but use it briefly and gently. Avoid scrubbing or using soap, and don’t dry it off. The goal is to remove debris without damaging any tissue on the root.

3. Try to reinsert the tooth, if possible

Yes, really. If you can, place the tooth gently back into its socket immediately. Put it in place with your fingers and hold it there by biting down on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth. It’s vital to do this step within the first few minutes. The sooner the tooth is back in its place, the better the outcome.

4. Alternatively, continue to keep the tooth moist

If reinserting it isn’t possible, you’ll need to keep the tooth moist. The best option is to place it in a container of milk. If milk isn’t available, you can use saliva or a tooth preservation kit if you have one. Do not store the tooth in water. Plain water can damage the root surface and reduce the odds of saving your tooth.

5. Get to our office or emergency room quickly

Time is everything when it comes to a knocked-out tooth. Ideally, you should see Dr. Swaintek-Lamb within 30 minutes. That window gives you the best shot at saving your tooth and avoiding further complications.

If it takes longer, don’t give up hope. Teeth have been successfully reimplanted even after an hour, depending on how they were handled and stored.

6. Also — know what not to do

It’s easy to make well-intentioned mistakes in the heat of the moment. Don’t scrub the tooth, wrap it in tissue or cloth, or leave it dry. Also, avoid using antiseptics or cleaning agents. These actions can harm the root and reduce the tooth’s likelihood of survival.

7. Follow up with our team

Even if the tooth is saved and reimplanted, follow-up care is essential. Dr. Swaintek-Lamb will check for infection, ensure proper healing, and determine if a root canal or other treatment is necessary. We may also recommend a splint to help stabilize the tooth while it reattaches.

Every case is different, but prompt care and follow-up make a huge difference.

Acting fast can save your smile

A knocked-out tooth can feel like a major emergency. But with quick thinking and the right action, you truly may be able to save it. The key? Stay calm, act fast, and get help right away. Call Proud to Smile Dentistry or schedule a visit online today. Your smile may depend on it.