What to Do If Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out - An Emergency Guide

It doesn’t always take a boxing match for someone to lose a tooth. A hard crash on the basketball court, a slip on the stairs, or a sudden trip while walking can instantly dislodge a permanent tooth. In clinical terms, it’s known as a knocked-out tooth or an avulsed tooth.

Saving and replacing a knocked-out tooth is possible, but the timing matters. 

Data from the American Association of Endodontists shows that roughly 1 million Americans have one or more of their teeth knocked out every year. The probability of successful replantation is high when you reach the emergency dentist immediately.

The 60-Minute Countdown: Why Prompt Action Matters

When a tooth gets knocked out of its socket, it has roughly 30 to 60 minutes before the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells begin to die. These living cells are crucial for replanting the tooth in its place. Avoiding exposure to dry air can boost the chances of survival. Here’s why timing matters:

• The 30-Minute Window: Replantation of a knocked-out tooth within 30 minutes has the best chance of success.

• The 60-Minute Mark: Between 30 and 60 minutes, cells begin to lose viability. The longer you wait, the lower the success rate.

• Past 60 Minutes: The dentist can still attempt replantation, but the tooth will rarely achieve its full natural strength and may require root canal therapy.

What to Do When Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out: Step-by-Step

If a permanent tooth gets knocked out of its socket, follow these steps precisely.

1. Locate and Pick Up the Tooth Safely

Find the tooth right away. Pick it up by only using the crown. Never touch or rub the soft surface (root) of the tooth. This ensures fragile PDL cells are not damaged.

2. Gently Rinse

If the tooth is covered in dirt, rinse it gently in plain water. DO NOT scrub or use soap.

3. Try Replanting

A knocked-out tooth can sometimes reattach to its socket if you try replacing it immediately after the accident. Clean the tooth and try re-placing it in its socket. Ensure you use the correct orientation. Apply a gentle push, but avoid too much pressure. Bite down softly on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to keep the tooth steady for a few minutes.

Note: This only works if it’s an adult tooth. Never try to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth.

4. If It Won't Go In, Keep It Wet

If the tooth doesn’t fit automatically, do not apply excessive pressure. Store the tooth in a proper solution until you can visit a dentist, ideally within 30-60 minutes for the best results. Do not wipe or dry it.

The following are the ideal storage options for a knocked-out tooth:

• ADA-Approved Storage Devices: Products like Save-A-Tooth contain a specialized solution that preserves tooth cells for up to 24 hours. Keeping one in the sports first-aid kit is a good idea for routine players.

• Cold Whole Milk: Whole cow milk provides the ideal environment to keep the root cells alive for at least a few hours.

• Saline Solution: Sterile saline or contact lens solution is also a good alternative.

• Saliva: If none of the above options is available, spit your saliva into a small, clean cup and submerge the tooth in it. Alternatively, you can try storing the tooth inside your cheek or under the tongue until you see a dentist.

Do not use tap water to store a knocked-out tooth, as it damages root cells quickly.

5. Reach Out to A Dentist

Call Lynnwood Dental Studio immediately to schedule an urgent appointment. Do not waste even a second. Keep the tooth wet until you reach the dentist.

Also Read: What Happens if You Don't Replace a Missing Tooth?

What Happens At the Dentist?

When you arrive at Lynnwood Dental Studio with an avulsed tooth, our expert dental team follows a specific protocol to ensure your instant comfort:

1. Replantation

The dentist gently cleans and sanitizes the socket to clear out any blood clots and debris. The tooth is then carefully replanted in the socket, maintaining its correct position.

2. Splinting

The periodontal ligament needs time to heal and fully reattach to the bone. To maintain stability and minimize movement during this period, the dentist will often attach the injured tooth to its neighboring teeth using a flexible wire or a composite resin splint. The PDL may take up to 1 or 2 weeks to fully recover, after which the dentist will remove the splint.

3. Root Canal Therapy

If the PDL has been damaged or died before replantation, the blood supply to the inner nerve (pulp) will likely stop permanently. This can lead to internal infection, necrosis, and subsequent tooth loss. To prevent this, the dentist may recommend a root canal procedure, which is usually done about 7 to 10 days after the replantation.

Recommended: Common Myths about Root Canal Treatment

Post-Treatment Recovery

After your knocked-out tooth has been replanted, it will require proper home care to ensure long-term retention. Follow the dentist’s instructions or the following expert post-treatment care tips:

• Dietary Modifications: Stick to a soft or liquid diet for at least the first couple of weeks. Avoid using the treated tooth to bite down or chew.

• Hygiene Adjustments: Keep brushing your teeth twice a day. However, avoid brushing the injured area or be very gentle. Use an ultra-soft toothbrush. If the dentist has prescribed a chlorhexidine mouthwash, use it to keep the area sterile and clean during recovery.

• Medication: Take the prescribed medication, including antibiotics, on time to prevent bone or tissue infections. If the tooth came into contact with dirt or soil during the accident, ask the dentist if a tetanus booster shot is necessary.

• Close Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the tooth’s status. Attend all follow-up appointments. The dentist will likely perform X-rays to track the progress and check for signs of issues.

Conclusion: Minimize the Risk of Tooth Loss With Prompt Intervention

The chances of saving a knocked-out permanent tooth heavily depend on how soon it is taken to a dentist. The longer you wait, the lower the chances of success.

We at Lynnwood Dental Studio always favor prevention over treatment. For athletes actively participating in contact sports such as basketball or martial arts, a good quality, preferably customized, mouthguard can help reduce the risk of tooth avulsion and loss. If you’ve just had a tooth knocked out, schedule an emergency dentist appointment right now without wasting time. Early intervention can save your tooth from permanent loss. Contact Lynnwood Dental Studio today!