What to do if a tooth gets knocked out
A permanent tooth that is knocked out needs immediate handling and urgent dental care to protect the root surface and surrounding tissues.
What is the direct answer?
A permanent tooth that is knocked out needs immediate handling and urgent dental care to protect the root surface and surrounding tissues.
What could it mean?
Find it by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse without scrubbing. If possible place it back in its socket and hold it gently; otherwise keep it moist and seek care immediately. A baby tooth should not be replanted.
What can you do next?
Do not let the tooth dry, scrape the root, or wrap it in tissue. Bring it with you, report other injuries, and follow instructions about tetanus assessment and monitoring.
When should you seek care?
Get emergency dental care immediately, especially with bleeding, a jaw injury, loss of consciousness, or other head trauma. Breathing difficulty or uncontrolled bleeding requires emergency services.
Questions to ask the dentist
Ask whether replantation is possible, whether a flexible splint is needed, and how the tooth and surrounding bone will be monitored.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main cause or concern?
Find it by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse without scrubbing. If possible place it back in its socket and hold it gently; otherwise keep it moist and seek care immediately. A baby tooth should not be replanted.
When should I seek care?
Get emergency dental care immediately, especially with bleeding, a jaw injury, loss of consciousness, or other head trauma. Breathing difficulty or uncontrolled bleeding requires emergency services.