Your teeth are designed to withstand regular wear and tear as you chew, bite, grind, and perform other routine oral functions. But accidents can happen, and an ill-timed bite or blow to the face could generate enough pressure to cause a tooth to fall out of its socket.
If this occurs, there is a narrow window of time for you to save the tooth. So prompt action is necessary if you want to successfully restore the dislodged tooth back into your smile.
Knowing what to do ahead of this incident can help you react more confidently if this scenario arises. So read on to find steps you should take if you accidentally knock out one or more of your teeth.
Preserve the Tooth as Well as Possible
Collect your knocked-out tooth as soon as you can so that you can preserve it properly. Without its connection to the blood vessels in your mouth, the tooth can quickly start to deteriorate, making it harder to reattach it successfully.
Handle the tooth by its crown rather than its sensitive roots. These roots contain nerves that can easily sustain more damage if you touch them.
The tooth might become dirty if it touched the ground. Do not rub it with a cloth or other material because the action might hurt the tooth further. Carefully rinse the tooth if needed with milk or water.
If you can, gently place the tooth back in its socket. The saliva will help to keep the tooth moist and healthy. Tuck the tooth in your cheek if you cannot put it in the socket. Do not force it into place if you feel pain or discomfort in the socket.
If you worry about swallowing the tooth, you can also store the tooth in a cup submerged in spit. You can also place it in a cup of milk or water. Milk works better than water because it contains nutrients that will better preserve the tooth.
Attend Emergency Dentist Appointment
Call your dentist right away if you knock out one or more of your teeth. Or head straight to your dentist’s office for an emergency appointment. You usually have a window of half an hour to an hour to properly restore the tooth back in your mouth, so do not wait to contact your dentist.
Bring the tooth with you to the appointment. The dentist will evaluate it along with the rest of your smile and then carefully clean the socket by flushing the area with water. Then they will put the tooth in the socket and keep it in place with a splint.
The tooth should reattach itself within a few days. A fractured tooth might require more time to heal properly. If the dentist cannot replace this tooth, they can discuss other dental treatments to restore your smile after this tooth loss. Ask your dentist if you qualify for implant dentistry, the most comprehensive tooth replacement solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are antibiotics or pain medications usually prescribed after a knocked-out tooth is restored?
Pain medications are commonly prescribed after treating a knocked-out tooth, typically starting with over-the-counter options like ibuprofen. Dentists often prescribe antibiotics when a tooth is heavily contaminated or has been out of the mouth for an extended period. Most patients experience moderate discomfort for several days, which gradually improves. Your dentist may adjust your medication plan based on the specific circumstances of your injury and your medical history.
Are there long-term complications I should watch for after reattaching a knocked-out tooth?
Even successfully reattached teeth need monitoring for potential complications. Watch for signs of internal darkening of the tooth, which suggests nerve damage or death. Root resorption—where the body starts breaking down the tooth root—can occur months or years later. Sensitivity, pain, or gum swelling around the reattached tooth could indicate infection or failed root canal therapy. Regular dental checkups with X-rays are essential for the early detection of these potential issues.
Is pain normal after a tooth is put back in place?
Mild to moderate pain or soreness is normal after a tooth has been reattached. This discomfort typically improves after a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If pain intensifies or persists beyond a few days, contact your dentist immediately—it could indicate an infection or complication.
Does storing the tooth in milk work, and why is it recommended?
Yes, placing a knocked-out tooth in milk helps preserve the tooth’s living cells longer. Milk has a balanced pH and provides nutrients, keeping the root cells viable until you reach a dentist. Avoid storing the tooth in water, as it can damage the cells and reduce the chance of successful reattachment.
Can I go to the emergency room if my dentist isn’t available?
If your dentist isn’t available immediately, going to the emergency room can help stabilize the situation. ER doctors can manage pain and bleeding, but they typically won’t re-implant teeth. They’ll usually refer you to a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible for specialized care.
Will a re-implanted tooth need a root canal later on?
Often, yes. Many reimplanted teeth eventually require root canal treatment because the tooth’s nerve often becomes damaged during the trauma. Root canals prevent infection and protect the tooth from further damage. Your dentist will closely monitor the tooth to determine if a root canal is necessary.