Tooth Knocked Out? What To Do In The First 30 Minutes

As a family dentist serving Mount Prospect, I’ve seen many dental emergencies, but having a tooth knocked out is one of the most urgent situations you can face. The first 30 minutes after the injury are critical for saving the tooth and preventing long-term complications. I’m Dr. Dhaval Patel of Simply Teeth, and I want you to know exactly what to do in this situation so you have the best possible chance of keeping your natural tooth. While a knocked-out tooth can be stressful, staying calm and acting quickly can make all the difference in the outcome.

Stay Calm And Act Fast

The moment your tooth is knocked out, take a deep breath and focus on the steps you need to follow. If the tooth is an adult permanent tooth, it may be possible to save it. However, every minute counts because the longer the tooth is out of your mouth, the lower the chances of successful reattachment. Children who lose a baby tooth in this way should still see a dentist promptly, but baby teeth are not reimplanted because it could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.

Handle The Tooth Correctly

If you find the tooth, pick it up carefully by the crown—the white, chewing surface—not by the root. The root contains delicate fibers and cells that are essential for reattachment, and touching them can reduce the likelihood of saving the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. Avoid scrubbing it or using soap, chemicals, or hot water.

Try To Reinsert The Tooth

If possible, try to gently place the tooth back into its socket, making sure it is facing the right way. Bite down softly on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place. This helps keep the root moist and in its natural environment. If you cannot reinsert it safely, move to the next step immediately.

Keep The Tooth Moist

If reinserting the tooth is not possible, you need to keep it moist until you can get to my office. The best options include placing the tooth in a cup of milk, a tooth preservation solution like Save-A-Tooth, or your own saliva (by keeping it inside your cheek). Never store the tooth in plain water for long periods, as this can damage the root cells.

Get To The Dentist Immediately

Call Simply Teeth at 847-870-1111 and tell us you are on your way with a knocked-out tooth. Let us know how long ago it happened and what steps you have already taken. The sooner I can treat you, the greater the likelihood of saving your tooth. If you arrive within 30 minutes and have taken the right steps, there is a strong chance we can reimplant the tooth successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knocked-Out Teeth

What If The Knocked-Out Tooth Is A Baby Tooth?

If a primary tooth is knocked out, it is not reimplanted because it could harm the permanent tooth developing beneath it. However, it is still important to see a dentist quickly to check for damage to the gums or nearby teeth.

How Long Do I Have To Save A Knocked-Out Tooth?

Ideally, you should get to a dentist within 30 minutes. After that, the chances of saving the tooth decrease significantly, but in some cases, teeth have been successfully reimplanted after an hour or more if kept moist.

Can I Clean The Tooth With Soap Or Disinfectant Before Reinserting It?

No. Avoid any cleaning agents that could damage the root’s delicate cells. Only rinse the tooth gently with milk or saline solution if it’s dirty.

What If The Tooth Is Broken Instead Of Knocked Out Completely?

If a tooth is broken, save all the pieces you can find and bring them to the appointment. We can often repair or restore a broken tooth with bonding, crowns, or other treatments.

What Should I Do If I Can’t Get To A Dentist Right Away?

Keep the tooth moist in milk or a tooth preservation solution and get to a dentist as soon as possible. Even if it has been more than an hour, it’s still worth seeking treatment to explore your options.

Will The Tooth Always Survive After Being Knocked Out?

Unfortunately, no. Even with immediate care, the tooth may not survive due to damage to the nerves and supporting tissues. However, acting quickly greatly increases the chances of success.

Should I Go To The Emergency Room For A Knocked-Out Tooth?

If the injury involves severe facial trauma or uncontrollable bleeding, go to the ER first. Otherwise, head straight to the dentist for immediate treatment.

Call Dr. Patel At Simply Teeth For Emergency Dental Care

If you ever experience a knocked-out tooth or another dental emergency, you need fast, skilled care to protect your smile. At Simply Teeth, we provide same-day emergency dental services to help save your tooth and prevent complications.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, contact Simply Teeth immediately by calling us at 847-870-1111. We serve patients in Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, and Des Plaines, Illinois, and we are ready to help you when every minute matters.