Knocked Out Teeth

How to Save a Knocked-out Tooth

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With proper emergency action, a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket can be successfully replanted. Your knowledge and quick action will likely increase the likelihood of saving the tooth! If this has happened to you, it is very important that you make it to the office within 30 minutes of the injury.

Locate the tooth immediately; do not leave it at the site of the accident. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) NOT the root. The tooth should be handled carefully. Do not dry, scrub or use soap or chemicals to clean the tooth. Do not wrap the tooth in a tissue or cloth.

Reposition the tooth in the socket immediately, if possible. The sooner the tooth is replaced, the greater the likelihood it will survive. To reinsert, carefully push the tooth into the socket with your fingers, or position it above the socket and close your mouth slowly. Hold the tooth in place with your fingers or by gently biting down on it.

Keep the tooth moist at all times. The tooth must not be left outside the mouth to dry. If it cannot be replaced in the socket, put it in one of the following:

  • Emergency tooth preservation kit (such as Save-a-Tooth®)

  • Milk

  • Mouth (next to cheek) *Making it to the office within an hour is the most important step. Outside of the hour window, the tooth will not likely be able to be saved.

Restorative ProceduresDani Gee