Knocked-out tooth: what to do in the first hour

If an adult tooth is knocked out, it can sometimes be put back, but only if it is looked after and treated quickly. The first hour matters most.

First, check the person

If there was a blow to the head, or the person is drowsy, vomiting or confused, go to a hospital emergency department first. The head injury is more important than the tooth.

Is it an adult tooth or a baby tooth?

• Adult tooth: try to save it, as below.
• Baby tooth: do not put it back. It can harm the adult tooth growing under it. Stop any bleeding and see a dentist for a check.

What to do with an adult tooth

1. Pick it up by the crown, the part that is normally visible in the mouth. Do not touch the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it very briefly with milk or clean water, for a few seconds. Do not scrub it, use soap or wipe it with a cloth.
3. Try to put it back in its socket, the right way round, and gently bite on a clean cloth to hold it. Do not force it.
4. If you cannot put it back, keep it moist. Milk is the first choice, in a small clean cup. Clean water is the second choice. Do not let it dry out and do not wrap it in tissue.
5. Do not let a young child hold it in the mouth, because they may swallow it.
6. Go to a dentist immediately, ideally within an hour. Bring the tooth.

What to do about bleeding

Press a clean cloth or gauze on the gap and bite down gently. A cold pack on the outside of the cheek helps with swelling.

What happens at the dentist

The dentist will check the tooth, the socket and the other teeth, and may take an X-ray. A tooth that is put back is held in place for some time and usually needs follow-up visits. It may also need a root canal treatment later. The sooner it is put back, the better its chance, but nobody can promise it will survive.

What not to do

• Do not wait to see how it feels.
• Do not use mouthwash on the socket.

When to see a dentist

Go the same day for any knocked-out tooth. Read dental emergency: when to go today and broken or chipped tooth.

Dental care is available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road. Call or WhatsApp us on the way, so we can be ready. Use the booking button below to ask for an appointment.