If a Tooth Is Knocked Out (Avulsed Tooth)
A tooth that has been completely knocked out due to trauma is a true dental emergency. Acting quickly can sometimes allow the tooth to be saved.
What to Do Immediately

1. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (top), not the root
   Avoid touching the root. Touching or scrubbing the root can damage the cells needed for successful re-implantation.
   
   
     
2. Gently rinse if dirty — do not scrub
   If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline if available, or briefly with clean water. Do not scrub it or use soap, alcohol, or chemicals.
3. Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible (adults only or youth over 12 only)
   If you can comfortably and safely do so, gently place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place by biting on a clean cloth or gauze.
   Do not attempt this for young children without professional help/advice.
4. If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist
   Place the tooth in:
• Save-a-tooth solution (best option)
• Saline
• Milk
• Inside the cheek (adults only, if safe)
  Do not store the tooth dry or in water.
5. Contact us immediately
   Time is critical. The best chance of saving the tooth is typically within 30–60 minutes.

Knocked-Out Tooth: How Urgent Is It?
🔴 Severe – Immediate Emergency
Examples:

• A permanent (adult) tooth completely knocked out
• Visible bleeding from the socket
• Pain, swelling, or facial injury associated with trauma

What to Do:

• Follow the steps above immediately
• Contact us right away using our emergency number here
• If you cannot reach us, go immediately to an urgent care or emergency room with the tooth stored properly

🟡 Special Situations – Call for Guidance
Examples:

• Tooth may be partially knocked out or pushed out of position
• Unsure whether the tooth is permanent or baby tooth
• Trauma involved lips, jaw, or head injury

What to Do:

• Do not force the tooth back into place
• Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if bleeding
• Contact us as soon as possible for instructions at our on-call number here

🟢 Baby Teeth (Primary Teeth)
Important Note:
Baby teeth should NOT be replanted.
If a baby tooth is knocked out:

• Control bleeding with gentle pressure
• Keep the area clean
• Contact us for follow-up care and to evaluate nearby teeth

What We’ll Do When You Come In
Treatment depends on how quickly you arrive and the condition of the tooth and surrounding bone. If appropriate, we may:

• Reposition and stabilize the tooth
• Monitor healing over time
• Discuss future treatment options if the tooth cannot be saved

Even if the tooth cannot be replanted, prompt evaluation is still important.

Need Help Right Away?
If a tooth is knocked out over the weekend, do not wait. Call our emergency number here immediately. If you are unable to reach us and pain, bleeding, or swelling is significant, seek urgent or emergency medical care.