What to Do If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out
Quick Steps for Reimplantation
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate action to improve the chances of successful re-implantation. If you experience this type of dental emergency, the first step is to recover the tooth as quickly as possible. Always hold the tooth by the crown (the top, visible part of the tooth) and avoid touching the root to prevent damaging the fragile tissues that are necessary for re-implantation.
Once you’ve retrieved the tooth, gently rinse it with water to remove any dirt or debris. However, do not scrub, clean, or handle the tooth excessively, as this could damage the tooth or the root surface. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket immediately. Hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth, and have the person bite down gently to keep the tooth stable.
If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or water to keep it moist. This will help preserve the tooth until you can see a dentist. Time is critical, so get to a dentist as quickly as possible, ideally within 30 minutes, to give the tooth the best chance of being successfully re-implanted.