Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Knocked-Out Tooth

More than five million teeth get knocked out yearly. Losing a permanent tooth isn’t just about looks. It can affect how you eat, speak, and even how your other teeth line up over time. Your mouth is like a team sport; when one player leaves, the rest can shift around.

Whether it’s a pickup basketball game gone wrong or a child testing gravity, a knocked-out tooth is a full-on dental emergency. The good news? Acting quickly can make the difference between saving a natural tooth and requiring a long-term fix such as an implant.

See our dental experts at Oasis Dental Team in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, immediately if a permanent tooth gets knocked out.

Why a knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency

When a tooth gets knocked out, there’s a small window of time to save it. Seeking treatment within 30-60 minutes offers the best chance of returning it safely to its socket for effective healing. 

That’s why knocked-out teeth are considered dental emergencies and should be treated as such.

Ways to save a knocked-out tooth

For the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth, consider the following tips:

Handle the tooth by its crown

When handling a knocked-out tooth, touch its crown (upper part or chewing surface) rather than the lower part of the tooth (its root) to keep it healthy.

Rinse the tooth if it’s dirty

If a knocked-out tooth is dirty, rinse it off with water or milk.  Avoid chemicals, soap, and scrubbing the tooth. 

Place the tooth back in its socket

Place the knocked-out tooth back in its socket immediately, if possible. Hold the tooth in place and head to our Oasis Dental Team office right away. 

Keep the tooth moist

To help save a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist at all times. Place it in its socket, saliva, or milk. You could also place your tooth next to your cheek, against your gums, or beneath your tongue. Avoid storing your tooth in water.

See your dentist right away

Coming to our office right away gives you the best chance of successfully placing a knocked‑out tooth back into its socket. 

Can my dentist save a knocked-out tooth?

When your tooth is in its socket, your dentist ensures it’s in the right position and places a splint on the tooth to anchor it in place. You might need to schedule a root canal if the injured tooth develops an infection. 

While your tooth heals, consume a soft-food diet as instructed, avoid foods that are too hot or cold, and be careful when brushing your teeth. You may need to rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash several times daily and avoid contact sports during the healing process. 

If a knocked-out tooth isn’t salvageable, our specialists can replace it using cutting-edge restorative dentistry . We might use a dental bridge or crown supported by an implant . 

Immediately after your tooth gets knocked out, head to Oasis Dental Team to try to save it. You can also contact us by calling our office or using our online booking feature.