Urgent Concern
What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a time-sensitive situation. Prompt action improves the chance of preserving the tooth.
If a serious injury has occurred, seek emergency medical care first. For an isolated knocked-out tooth, the following steps are commonly recommended.
Handle the Tooth Carefully
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root
- Rinse gently with milk or saline if dirty — do not scrub
- Do not remove any attached tissue fragments
Keep the Tooth Moist
- Milk is a widely recommended storage medium
- Saline solution is another option
- Storing it inside the cheek (in an adult who is alert) can also keep it moist
- Avoid plain tap water for long-term storage
Reach a Dentist Quickly
Call the office as soon as possible to describe the situation and confirm the next step. Timing is a key factor in the success of reimplantation for permanent teeth.
Baby Teeth Are Handled Differently
A knocked-out primary (baby) tooth is generally not put back in place. Contact a dentist for guidance instead of attempting reimplantation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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Submitting a form does not establish a dentist-patient relationship, confirm an appointment, or guarantee treatment availability.