Knocked-Out Tooth? Here’s Exactly What to Do

Accidents can happen when you least expect them — during a weekend hockey game, a slip on ice, or even a casual backyard BBQ. But one of the most alarming dental emergencies is when a tooth gets knocked out.

In those crucial first few minutes, knowing what to do can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth. This comprehensive guide from Greenwoods Dental explains exactly how to handle a knocked-out tooth, what to avoid, and what to expect at the dentist.

Why Immediate Action Matters

When a tooth is knocked out (known medically as avulsion), time is your greatest ally. Acting within the first 30 to 60 minutes can dramatically improve the chances of successfully saving and reattaching the tooth.

Why? Because the tiny ligaments and living cells on the root surface begin to die once the tooth is outside the mouth. The longer it’s exposed, the lower the success rate for reimplantation.

So, don’t panic — act fast, stay calm, and follow the right steps. 

Why Saving a Knocked-Out Tooth Is Important

While dental implants and bridges are effective modern solutions, nothing truly replaces the natural function and feel of your original tooth.

Saving your natural tooth helps:

• Preserve bone structure: The tooth’s root stimulates your jawbone, preventing bone loss.
• Maintain bite alignment: Losing a tooth can cause neighboring teeth to shift.
• Avoid costly procedures: Reimplantation is usually less expensive than getting a replacement.
• Keep natural aesthetics: Your natural tooth looks and feels just right.

Common Causes of Knocked-Out Teeth

Understanding what causes these emergencies can help prevent them. Knocked-out teeth most often result from:

• Sports injuries: Contact sports like hockey, football, or basketball can lead to oral trauma without proper mouthguards.
• Falls and slips: Especially common during icy winters in Winnipeg.
• Car or bike accidents: Sudden impact can dislodge or fracture teeth.
• Physical altercations: Blunt force to the face can knock out a tooth.
• Children’s accidents: Falls during play or sports are frequent causes of avulsion in kids.

Knowing the causes helps you take precautions — such as wearing protective gear and maintaining safe surroundings.

Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do When a Tooth Is Knocked Out

Every second counts, but with the right steps, you can significantly improve the odds of saving your tooth.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Panicking only makes things worse. Take a deep breath.

Check for:

• Bleeding — apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.
• Other injuries — if there’s heavy bleeding or loss of consciousness, call emergency services.

If it’s only the tooth that has been knocked out, move to the next step quickly.

Step 2: Find the Tooth

Locate the tooth right away — it could be on the floor, in clothing, or near the area of the accident.

Tip: Handle it carefully — the way you pick it up can determine its survival.

Step 3: Handle the Tooth Properly

Do not touch the root 

Pick it up by the Crown (the white chewing part), not the root, as it contains sensitive cells needed for reattachment.

If dirty:

• Rinse it gently with milk or saline solution.
• Avoid scrubbing or using tap water, which can damage root cells.
• Never dry it with a cloth or tissue.

Step 4: Try to reinsert the Tooth

If you can, place the tooth back into its socket immediately.

Here’s how:

• Hold the tooth by the crown.
• Gently push it into the socket in the correct orientation.
• Bite down softly on a piece of gauze or clean cloth to hold it in place.

Do not force it. If it doesn’t go in easily, move to the next step.

Step 5: Keep the Tooth Moist

A tooth should never be allowed to dry out. Keeping it moist preserves the root cells.

Best storage options:

1. Milk: The ideal temporary solution — it maintains the tooth’s natural pH and osmolality.
2. Saliva: Place the tooth inside your mouth between your cheek and gums (be careful not to swallow).
3. Saline solution: If you have access to a sterile saline rinse, use that.
4. Tooth preservation kits: Some pharmacies sell “Save-a-Tooth” kits — great for sports or first-aid boxes.

Avoid water — it can damage delicate root cells.

Step 6: Get to the Dentist Immediately

This is the most critical step.

Even if you’ve successfully reinserted the tooth, you still need emergency dental care within 30 to 60 minutes.

Call Greenwoods Dental right away — we have emergency dentists available to handle these cases promptly.

What Happens at the Dentist’s Office

Once you arrive, your dentist will quickly assess the tooth and surrounding tissues.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Reimplantation

If the tooth is still visible, the dentist will insert it into the socket and adjust positioning.

2. Splinting

A flexible dental splint (a thin wire or composite material) is attached to neighboring teeth to stabilize the knocked-out tooth for 1-2 weeks.

3. Root Canal Therapy

In many cases, a root canal will be required a few days after reimplantation to prevent infection.

4. Follow-Up Appointments

Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor healing and ensure the tooth remains stable and infection-free.

Aftercare: How to Protect a Reimplanted Tooth

Your recovery doesn’t end after reimplantation. Proper care is essential to ensure long-term success.

Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

You’ll likely receive antibiotics, pain relievers, and a soft diet plan. Stick to all instructions carefully.

Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene

• Brush softly around the area using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash as prescribed.
• Avoid flossing near the affected tooth until cleared by your dentist.

Eat Soft Foods

Stick to foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups for the first few days. Avoid crunchy or sticky foods that could dislodge the tooth.

Avoid Physical Strain

Refrain from sports or vigorous activity until your dentist confirms the tooth is stable.

Potential Complications to Watch For

Even with quick action, some complications can occur:

• Infection: Watch for swelling, redness, or pus near the reimplanted tooth.
• Tooth discoloration: A reimplanted tooth may darken due to nerve damage.
• Resorption: Sometimes, the body gradually reabsorbs the tooth root.
• Loose tooth: If the tooth feels unstable after a few days, contact your dentist immediately.

Early detection and follow-up visits can help manage these issues effectively.

Preventing Knocked-Out Teeth: Smart Safety Tips

While accidents can’t always be prevented, you can reduce your risk significantly with these proactive measures.

1. Wear a mouthguard during contact sports — custom mouthguards offer the best protection.
2. Avoid chewing hard objects such as ice, pens, or bottle caps.
3. Maintain regular dental visits to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
4. Childproof your home to prevent falls or accidents for younger children.
5. Practice caution when walking on slippery surfaces during winter months.

When to Seek Professional Help Immediately

Call your emergency dentist if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain
• Ongoing bleeding or swelling
• Signs of infection (redness, pus, fever)
• A loose or misaligned reimplanted tooth

Never delay — early intervention improves outcome dramatically.

Emergency Dental Care at Greenwoods Dental

At Greenwoods Dental, we understand how overwhelming dental emergencies can be. Our experienced team provides immediate, compassionate, and expert care to help you save your natural teeth whenever possible.

We offer:

• Same-day emergency appointments
• Gentle and precise reimplantation techniques
• Post-care monitoring and follow-ups

If you or someone you know knocks out a tooth, contact Greenwoods Dental right away.

Your quick action — and our expert care — can make all the difference.

📞 Call us immediately for dental emergencies.

We’re here to help you restore your smile and confidence.