What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth: A Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Smile

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate action. Whether it happens during a sports game, an accident, or even a simple slip and fall, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth.

Did you know that if a knocked-out tooth is properly reinserted within an hour, there’s a 90% chance it can be saved? Unfortunately, many people don’t know the correct steps to take, leading to permanent tooth loss.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if you knock out a tooth, how to handle the situation safely, and what to expect from emergency dental treatment.

TL;DR – Quick Guide

Step 1: Stay calm and locate the tooth immediately.
Step 2: Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), NOT the root.
Step 3: If dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline, but do not scrub.
Step 4: Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or saliva.
Step 5: Get to a dentist within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Saving a Knocked-Out Tooth

1. Stay Calm and Find the Tooth

The first thing to do is stay calm and act quickly. Locate the tooth as soon as possible to prevent losing or damaging it further.

2. Pick Up the Tooth Carefully

✅ Always hold the tooth by the crown (the white top part), NOT the root.
❌ Do not touch, scrub, or remove any tissue attached to the root. The root contains important fibers that help with reattachment.

3. Rinse the Tooth Gently (If Needed)

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk, saline, or saliva.
❌ Do NOT use tap water—it contains chemicals that can damage the root cells.
❌ Do NOT scrub, use soap, or dry the tooth.

4. Try to Reinsert the Tooth into the Socket

The best place for a knocked-out tooth is back in its socket. If possible:

Align the tooth correctly and gently push it back in place.
Bite down on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in position.

If reinsertion isn’t possible, move to step 5.

5. Store the Tooth Properly If You Can’t Reinsert It

If you can’t place the tooth back into the socket, it needs to stay moist until you reach the dentist. Store it in:
✅ Milk (best option) – Keeps root cells alive.
✅ Saliva (hold it in your cheek) – A good alternative if milk isn’t available.
✅ A tooth preservation kit (like Save-A-Tooth).

❌ Do NOT store the tooth in water—it can kill the root cells and reduce the chances of reattachment.

6. Get to a Dentist Immediately

Time is crucial! See a dentist within 30-60 minutes. The sooner the tooth is reimplanted, the better the success rate.

What Happens at the Dentist?

Your dentist will:

Reinsert the tooth (if it hasn’t been placed back already).
Secure it with a splint, which holds it in place for a few weeks.
Monitor healing and perform a root canal (if needed).

If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may discuss dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures as replacement options.

Long-Term Care After a Knocked-Out Tooth

Even if the tooth is successfully reimplanted, long-term care is needed:

✅ Follow oral hygiene instructions given by your dentist.
✅ Avoid chewing hard foods on the affected side.
✅ Attend follow-up visits to check healing.
✅ If a root canal was performed, monitor the tooth for signs of infection.

When to See a Dentist Even If the Tooth Was Saved

Even if you successfully place the tooth back, you should still see a dentist ASAP if:
✅ The tooth feels loose or painful.
✅ The gums around the tooth start swelling or bleeding.
✅ You experience nerve damage symptoms (like numbness).
✅ The tooth starts changing color (a sign of dying nerve tissue).

Key Takeaways

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency—act fast!
Hold the tooth by the crown, NOT the root.
Do not scrub the tooth—rinse with milk or saline if needed.
Reinsert the tooth if possible or store it in milk/saliva.
Get to a dentist within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

A knocked-out tooth doesn’t have to mean permanent tooth loss—but every second counts. If you ever find yourself in this situation, following these steps could save your smile!

FAQs

1. Can a knocked-out tooth always be saved?

Not always, but if reinserted within 60 minutes, there’s a high chance of success. If left out too long, the root cells die, making reattachment unlikely.

2. What should I do if I knock out a baby tooth?

Do NOT try to reinsert it! Unlike adult teeth, baby teeth shouldn’t be put back, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. See a dentist for guidance.

3. Is milk really the best liquid for storing a knocked-out tooth?

Yes! Milk helps keep the root cells alive, unlike water, which can damage them. If milk isn’t available, saliva or saline solution are the next best options.

4. What if the tooth is broken instead of completely knocked out?

If a tooth is broken, save any fragments and visit a dentist immediately. Depending on the damage, they may bond the pieces back together, place a crown, or recommend other treatments.

5. Can I eat or drink after knocking out a tooth?

Avoid chewing on the injured side and stick to soft foods until your dentist gives you the green light. Avoid hot, cold, or hard foods that could irritate the area.