Knocked Out Tooth: What to Do Right Now (Step by Step)

Your tooth just got knocked out. First thing: pick it up by the crown (the white chewing part). Rinse it gently with milk or saline, then try to put it back in the socket. If you can't, store it in milk or your own saliva and call 1-888-771-7431 right away. You have about 30 to 60 minutes to save it.

Step 1: Pick it up the right way

Don't touch the root. That's the pointy part you can't see when the tooth is in your mouth. Your fingers have bacteria that can damage the delicate cells on the root surface, making reattachment much harder.

Grab the tooth by the crown instead. That's the part you chew with. If the crown is dirty, you can rinse it gently with milk or a sterile saline solution. Don't scrub. Don't use tap water unless you have nothing else. Tap water's low salt content can swell and kill those root cells.

Step 2: Rinse gently, don't scrub

You need to clean off dirt without harming the root. Milk works because its pH and mineral content are close to your mouth's environment. If you don't have milk, a sterile saline solution from a first-aid kit is fine.

Hold the tooth over a cup and pour the milk or saline over it. Let the liquid flow over the tooth. Don't rub it with a cloth or your fingers. If you see a small pink tissue fragment still attached, leave it alone. That's the periodontal ligament and it's your best hope for reattachment.

Step 3: Try to reinsert it

If you're calm enough and the tooth looks intact, you can try to put it back in the socket. Gently push it in with your fingers until it feels level with the teeth beside it. Bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.

If you can't get it back in, don't force it. Store the tooth in a container with enough milk to cover it completely. Your own saliva works too. You can place the tooth inside your cheek, but be careful not to swallow it. Never store it in water or let it dry out.

Step 4: Get to a dentist within 30-60 minutes

The clock is your biggest enemy now. The longer the tooth stays out, the lower the chance a dentist can save it. The ideal window is 30 minutes. After an hour, success rates drop sharply.

Call 1-888-771-7431 right now. We'll connect you with a nearby dental office that can see you immediately. If you're in severe pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen according to package directions while you get ready to go.

Step 5: What to expect at the dentist

The dentist will clean the socket, reinsert the tooth, and splint it to the neighboring teeth with a flexible wire or bonding material. This splint stays on for about two weeks. You'll likely get an X-ray to check the bone.

You may need a root canal later, sometimes weeks or months after the injury. The dentist will tell you the signs to watch for. The total cost for re-implantation and splinting usually ranges from $200 to $800, depending on your location and whether you need additional procedures. Many dental insurance plans cover part of this.

What NOT to do with a knocked-out tooth

Scrubbing the root can damage it. Wrapping the tooth in a dry tissue will dry it out. Tap water is harmful. Waiting until morning to see if it feels better is a mistake. A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency, and waiting makes it much worse.

Don't ignore bleeding. If the socket won't stop bleeding after 15 minutes of steady pressure with a clean gauze pad, you might need to go to an emergency room. That's rare, but it's the one reason to head to the ER instead of a dental office.

Frequently asked questions

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved after 2 hours?

It's possible, but the odds drop significantly. After two hours, the cells on the root surface have likely died. The dentist may still try re-implantation, but the tooth might eventually need to be replaced with an implant or bridge. Still, bring the tooth with you no matter how long it's been out.

What if I can't find the tooth?

If the tooth is lost, the dentist will clean the socket to prevent infection and discuss replacement options. A dental implant typically costs $3,000-$6,000 per tooth. A bridge can be $2,000-$5,000. Dentures are less expensive but less stable. We can help you find affordable payment plans.

Will it hurt when the dentist puts it back?

The dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia first. You'll feel pressure, but no sharp pain. After the numbness wears off, you may have mild soreness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (follow package directions) usually manage it well.

What if my child knocks out a baby tooth?

Do NOT reinsert a baby tooth. You could damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Rinse the tooth gently, store it in milk, and still see a dentist within a few hours. The dentist will check for any fragments left in the gum and make sure the permanent tooth isn't injured.

See also: What to do with a broken tooth, Finding a dentist without insurance.

For more official guidance, the American Dental Association has excellent patient resources.

This article provides general information only. It is not medical advice. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.