TL;DR
- Find the tooth and hold it only by the crown (top), not the root
- Gently rinse with milk or saline—do not scrub or use soap
- Reinsert into the socket if possible, or store in milk/saline
- Seek emergency dental care within 60 minutes for best outcomes
When a permanent tooth is knocked out (avulsed), time is critical. The goal is to preserve the living cells on the root surface and get the tooth back into place as fast as possible. Here’s exactly what to do—step by step.
1. Stay Calm and Locate the Tooth
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white chewing surface)—do not touch the root.
- If dirty, gently rinse with milk or saline solution for a few seconds. Avoid scrubbing or wiping with cloth/tissue.
2. Reinsert If You Can
- If the person is conscious and cooperative, gently place the tooth back into the socket.
- Bite softly on clean gauze or cloth to hold it in place.
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, proceed to storage.
3. Store Properly (If Not Reinserted)
- Place the tooth in cold milk or saline. Specialized solutions (e.g., Save-A-Tooth) are ideal if available.
- Avoid plain water: it can damage root cells.
- Do not wrap the tooth in tissue or plastic.
4. Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
- The best outcomes happen when the tooth is re-implanted within 60 minutes.
- Head to an emergency dentist right away. Call ahead if possible.
5. What Not to Do
- Do not scrub the root or use soap/disinfectants.
- Do not delay seeking care.
- Do not reinsert baby teeth—this guide applies to permanent teeth.
6. Aftercare and Next Steps
- The dentist may splint the tooth, prescribe medications, and schedule follow-ups.
- Follow all instructions carefully—success depends on rapid action and proper stabilization.
Conclusion
Fast, correct action gives the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth. Handle by the crown, gently rinse, reinsert or store in milk, and get to an emergency dentist within an hour.
