Tooth Knocked Out? What to Do in the First 30 Minutes
Updated: Sep 29
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, acting quickly gives you the best chance of saving it. Pick it up by the crown—never the root—rinse it gently, try to place it back in its socket, and contact an emergency dentist immediately.
What to Do with a Knocked-Out Tooth
Follow these steps as quickly and carefully as possible:
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, which is the visible chewing surface. Do not touch the root.
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Don’t scrub it or use soap.
If possible, carefully place the tooth back in its socket, facing the correct way, and hold it in place.
If you can’t reinsert it, keep it moist in milk or a tooth-preservation solution. Never allow it to dry out.
Contact our emergency dental team immediately. We reserve same-day and 24-hour appointments for urgent situations like this.
Why the First 30 Minutes Matter
The sooner the tooth is returned to its socket and treated by a dentist, the better the chance of saving it. Don’t wait for the pain to improve or attempt to repair the damage yourself.
If the tooth was damaged during the accident but not completely knocked out, treatment such as a dental crown may help restore and protect it.
What About a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth?
These steps apply to permanent adult teeth. A knocked-out baby tooth usually should not be reinserted because doing so could damage the permanent tooth developing beneath it. However, you should still contact a dentist immediately for guidance.
For more information, learn what qualifies as a dental emergency, what to do if you break a tooth, and how to avoid common dental emergencies.
Get Emergency Dental Care Now
Call us at (615) 383-7801 immediately or request an emergency appointment. Acting quickly could make the difference between saving and losing the tooth.
Written by Dr. David Roach, D.D.S., who has cared for Green Hills families for 26 years.
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