A tooth knocked out in a fall, a sports collision or an accident can often be saved, but only if you act fast. The American Dental Association (ADA) says knowing what to do “can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.” This guide covers the first steps for a knocked-out adult tooth, a tooth pushed out of place, and a knocked-out baby tooth, using guidance from the ADA and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
Knocked-out adult (permanent) tooth: step by step
- Pick it up by the crown, not the root. The AAE says to handle a knocked-out tooth very carefully and not touch the root surface.
- Keep it moist at all times. The ADA stresses this point.
- Try to put it back in the socket if you can, without touching the root (ADA).
- If you can’t, store it properly. The ADA says to place it between your cheek and gums, in milk, or in a tooth preservation product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Get to a dentist immediately. The AAE says time is of the essence: with treatment quickly, preferably within 30 minutes, there is a chance to save the tooth.
Call ahead. The ADA notes most dentists reserve time each day for emergency patients, and the AAE says many endodontists accommodate emergencies, sometimes including weekends. If you can’t reach a dentist, the ADA says to go to an emergency room.
What the dentist does
According to the AAE, the dentist or endodontist evaluates the tooth, places it back in its socket and checks for other dental and facial injuries. A stabilizing splint is usually placed for the next few weeks. Depending on root development, root canal treatment may start a week or two later. How long the tooth was out and how it was stored affect the options.
Knocked-out baby tooth: don’t replant it
The AAE says knocked-out primary (baby) teeth typically should not be replanted, because doing so may permanently damage the adult tooth developing in the bone. Still see a dentist promptly to check for other injuries. For more on children’s teeth, see the baby teeth timeline.
Tooth pushed out of place (dislodged)
A blow can push a tooth sideways, partly out of its socket or into it. The AAE says a dentist or endodontist will reposition and stabilize it. Root canal treatment is usually needed for dislodged permanent teeth, started several days after the injury. Children 12 and under may not need one, because their teeth are still developing, but they will need careful monitoring and likely several follow-up visits.
Chipped or cracked tooth
The ADA advises rinsing the mouth with warm water and using cold compresses on the face to limit swelling. The AAE adds that if breathing through your mouth or drinking cold fluids hurts, biting on clean, moist gauze or cloth may help until you reach the dentist. Don’t use topical numbing ointments or put aspirin on the area. Small chips can often be repaired by reattaching the piece or with a tooth-colored filling. Larger breaks may need a crown or root canal treatment. See cracked or chipped tooth.
Why follow-up visits matter
Even when a tooth looks fine, the AAE warns that neighboring teeth can have unnoticed injuries found only by a thorough exam. After a dislodged or knocked-out tooth, your body can start to “reject” the tooth through a process called root resorption. The AAE recommends regular checks for up to five years, since some types of resorption are untreatable if missed.
Preventing tooth injuries
The ADA recommends a mouthguard for sports and recreational activities. It also advises against chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, and against using your teeth to cut things. See our sports mouthguards guide and what counts as a dental emergency.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do I need to see a dentist?
Immediately. The AAE says treatment preferably within 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
Can I rinse the tooth?
Our sources focus on not touching the root and keeping the tooth moist. Ask the dental office when you call. Never scrub the root.
Should I put my child’s knocked-out baby tooth back?
No. The AAE says baby teeth typically should not be replanted. See a dentist to check for other injuries.
Sources
- ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies
- American Association of Endodontists: Traumatic Dental Injuries
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
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Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.