Knocked-Out Tooth
Act Within 30 Minutes to Save Your Tooth
What Is a Knocked-Out Tooth?
A knocked-out tooth (avulsion) is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. With proper handling and immediate dental care, a knocked-out permanent tooth can often be successfully reimplanted. You have the best chance of saving the tooth if you act within 30 minutes.
Signs & Symptoms
- Tooth completely out of the socket
- Bleeding from the empty socket
- Pain and swelling in the gum
- Possible trauma to surrounding teeth
What To Do Right Now
- 1Pick up the tooth by the crown — NEVER touch the root
- 2Rinse gently with clean water — do NOT scrub
- 3Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and bite down gently on gauze
- 4If reinsertion isn't possible, store in milk or between cheek and gum
- 5Call an emergency dentist IMMEDIATELY and go now
- 6Bring the tooth with you — even if you're unsure it can be saved
What NOT To Do
- ✕Do NOT touch or scrub the root of the tooth
- ✕Do NOT store in tap water — it damages the root cells
- ✕Do NOT let the tooth dry out
- ✕Do NOT delay — every minute counts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Yes — if you act fast. Teeth reimplanted within 30 minutes have the highest success rates. After 60 minutes, the chances drop significantly. The key is keeping the root cells alive by storing the tooth in milk or saliva.
What if it's a baby tooth?
Do NOT reimplant baby teeth — it can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. See a dentist to assess the socket and surrounding teeth, but the baby tooth itself is not reimplanted.
What if I can't find an emergency dentist immediately?
Go to a hospital emergency room if no dentist is available. Keep the tooth moist in milk. Time is critical — don't wait.
CRITICAL — within 30 minutes for best chance of reimplantation
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