How to Preserve and Save a Knocked Out Tooth

So you knocked out a tooth. What should you do? First, don’t panic. We might be able to save it.

If a tooth is knocked out or chipped, try to gather the broken pieces. Call our dentist office for an emergency appointment. Bring the pieces when you come. We’ll do what we can to restore your tooth.

If the entire tooth is knocked out, it’s important to act fast. We need to see you right away. What you do with the missing tooth makes all the difference as to whether or not we can save it.

Is It a Baby Tooth?

If a child has lost the tooth, confirm it’s an adult tooth. We don’t replace baby teeth. Nature takes care of that itself. It’s not considered a dental emergency. Carry on!

Be Careful in Handling the Tooth

Whenever a tooth is severed from its socket, the attached ligament is destroyed. You need all the tiny nerve fibers to remain attached if there’s any hope in saving the tooth. That’s why you should always pick the tooth up by the crown — never the root. You can gently wash off any dirt from the tooth. If you can, try to reset the tooth back in the socket. You can also hold the tooth between your teeth and gums and head to your dentist’s office as quickly as possible. Tell them it’s an emergency.

Next Best Thing — Store the Tooth in Milk

If you cannot replant the tooth or keep it in your mouth, place the tooth in a container of milk. This provides nutrients that will help to preserve the tooth.

Bring Your Tooth to the Dentist

Head to our dentist office as quickly as possible — ideally within 30 minutes of losing the tooth. If that’s not possible, take heart. We may still be able to save the tooth, but the chances of success are best if we work fast.

The good news is that if you follow these instructions, your tooth has a 90% chance of being saved. That’s assuming you knocked a tooth out by accident, not as a result of periodontal disease.