First aid for knocked out tooth
Handle a knocked-out permanent tooth by its crown, keep it moist, and obtain emergency dental care immediately.
The short answer
Handle a knocked-out permanent tooth by its crown, keep it moist, and obtain emergency dental care immediately. If it is visibly dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline without scrubbing the root, then place it back in the socket only if the injured person is alert and it goes in easily.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
A knocked-out tooth is an avulsion: the tooth has been completely displaced from its socket, including the periodontal ligament attached to the root. A baby tooth should not be replanted because it can damage the developing adult tooth; the emergency approach differs for a permanent tooth.
What can you do next?
Pick up the tooth by the white crown, never the root, and keep it moist in milk, saline, or a tooth-preservation solution while travelling. Apply clean gauze to bleeding gums, avoid touching the socket, and take the tooth and injured person to emergency dental care without delay.
When should you seek dental care?
This injury needs immediate dental assessment even if pain is limited. Go to emergency medical care first for loss of consciousness, vomiting, suspected jaw fracture, uncontrolled bleeding, or breathing problems, then arrange dental treatment for the tooth.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the tooth is suitable for replantation and how it will be stabilised with a flexible splint. Ask how the root pulp will be monitored, whether root-canal treatment may be needed, and what follow-up examinations are planned.
Frequently asked questions
What if I cannot put the tooth back?
Keep it moist in milk, saline, or a tooth-preservation solution and take it with the injured person for immediate dental care.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
A permanent tooth may sometimes be replanted, depending on the injury, root condition, handling, and time outside the socket.