A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is a true emergency — acting in the first 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving it. Here’s exactly what to do.
Step by step
1) Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root. 2) If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water — don’t scrub or remove any tissue. 3) Try to place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth. 4) If you can’t, keep it moist in milk or held inside your cheek. 5) Call our Mundelein emergency dentist immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to save a knocked-out tooth?
The best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth is within 30 minutes, though re-implantation can sometimes succeed up to about an hour. Keep the tooth moist and call an emergency dentist immediately.
Can a baby tooth be put back in?
Knocked-out baby teeth are usually not re-implanted because it can damage the developing adult tooth. Still call your dentist for guidance right away.