Knocking a tooth out can be a frightening experience, whether it happens during sport, a fall or an accident. However, acting quickly can make a significant difference to the chances of saving the tooth.
If an adult tooth has been completely knocked out, there is often a limited window of time to successfully reinsert it. Knowing what to do immediately after the injury can help protect your smile and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what to do if you knock a tooth out and when to seek emergency dental care.
Is a Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Yes, a knocked-out tooth is considered a dental emergency.
The sooner you receive treatment, the greater the chance that the tooth can be successfully saved and reattached.
Ideally, you should see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes of the accident. However, even if more time has passed, it’s still important to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.
Step 1: Find the Tooth
If possible, locate the tooth immediately.
When handling the tooth:
- Pick it up by the crown (the visible part of the tooth)
- Avoid touching the root
- Handle it carefully to prevent further damage
Touching the root can damage the delicate cells needed for successful reattachment.
Step 2: Gently Clean the Tooth
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it carefully.
Use:
- Cold milk
- Saline solution
- Clean water if nothing else is available
Do not:
- Scrub the tooth
- Use soap or chemicals
- Dry the tooth with a tissue
- Remove any attached tissue fragments
A gentle rinse is all that’s needed.
Step 3: Try to Reinsert the Tooth
If the tooth is an adult tooth and you feel comfortable doing so, carefully try to place it back into the socket.
Once repositioned:
- Gently bite down on a clean cloth or gauze
- Keep the tooth in place
- Seek emergency dental treatment immediately
This is often the best way to preserve the tooth.
Step 4: If You Can’t Reinsert It, Store It Properly
If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, it’s essential to keep it moist.
The best storage options include:
- A container of cold milk
- Saline solution
- Inside your cheek (for adults only)
- A tooth preservation kit if available
Avoid storing the tooth:
- In tissue paper
- In a dry container
- In tap water for extended periods
Keeping the tooth hydrated helps protect the root cells that are crucial for successful reimplantation.
Step 5: Contact an Emergency Dentist Immediately
Time is critical when a tooth has been knocked out.
Contact an emergency dentist straight away and explain:
- When the accident occurred
- Whether the tooth is intact
- How the tooth has been stored
- Any other injuries sustained
The dental team can advise you on the next steps and arrange urgent treatment.
What Happens at the Emergency Appointment?
Your dentist will examine the tooth, the socket and any surrounding injuries.
Treatment may involve:
Reimplanting the Tooth
If conditions are favourable, the dentist may carefully place the tooth back into the socket.
Stabilising the Tooth
A small splint may be attached to neighbouring teeth to hold the tooth in place while it heals.
Taking Digital X-Rays
X-rays help assess:
- Root damage
- Bone injuries
- The position of the tooth
Follow-Up Care
Regular reviews are usually needed to monitor healing and ensure the tooth remains healthy.
What If a Child Knocks Out a Tooth?
If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not attempt to reinsert it.
Reimplanting a baby tooth can potentially damage the developing adult tooth underneath.
Instead:
- Contact a dentist promptly
- Control any bleeding
- Provide comfort and reassurance
- Attend an examination to check for additional injuries
Your dentist will assess the area and advise on any necessary treatment.
Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Always Be Saved?
Unfortunately, not every knocked-out tooth can be successfully saved.
The outcome depends on factors such as:
- How quickly treatment is received
- How the tooth was handled
- How the tooth was stored
- The extent of the injury
Even if reimplantation isn’t possible, modern dentistry offers excellent replacement options, including dental implants and dental bridges.
How to Prevent Knocked-Out Teeth
While accidents can’t always be avoided, you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing a custom sports mouthguard
- Using appropriate protective equipment
- Avoiding chewing hard objects
- Addressing dental issues that weaken teeth
- Attending regular dental check-ups
Prevention is always preferable to emergency treatment whenever possible.
Why Choose Tooth Club for Emergency Dental Care?
At Tooth Club, we understand that dental emergencies can happen without warning. Our experienced team provides prompt emergency dental care, helping patients protect their oral health when urgent treatment is needed.
Using advanced digital technology and a patient-focused approach, we assess dental injuries quickly and provide the most appropriate treatment to achieve the best possible outcome.
With 13 clinics across the UK, expert emergency dental care is never far away.
Fast Action Can Save Your Tooth
Knowing what to do if you knock a tooth out can make all the difference. Acting quickly, handling the tooth correctly and seeking immediate dental care significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth.
If you or a family member experiences a knocked-out tooth, don’t delay.
Contact Tooth Club immediately for emergency dental treatment and expert advice from our experienced team.