Knocked-Out Tooth

Q: What is the best way to store the tooth?

Cold milk or saline solution is recommended. Water should be avoided.

Definition

A knocked-out tooth (also called a dental avulsion) occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket due to trauma.
It is one of the most urgent dental emergencies, and immediate action is critical to maximise the chance of saving the tooth.

Is This a Dental Emergency?

Yes — a knocked-out adult tooth is a true dental emergency and requires immediate clinical assessment.
Emergency dental care focuses on rapid evaluation, safe handling, and stabilisation to maximise the chance of successful reimplantation and long-term tooth survival. Our emergency dentistry care framework explains how traumatic dental injuries are assessed, prioritised, and managed when time is critical.

Immediate dental emergency (seek care now):

A permanent tooth completely out of the socket
Tooth knocked out due to trauma or impact
Bleeding from the socket
Pain or visible damage to surrounding teeth

Important note:

Time is critical — the first 30 minutes offer the highest chance of saving the tooth.

Do not wait to see if pain settles. Immediate action significantly affects the outcome.

Common Causes of a Knocked-Out Tooth

Sports injuries
Falls or accidents
Bicycle or scooter accidents
Impact to the face
Dental trauma during play (common in children)

Even when only one tooth is lost, nearby teeth and bone may also be injured.

What Happens If You Delay Treatment

Delaying treatment after a tooth is knocked out significantly reduces the chance of saving it.

it can also allow infection to develop, leading to facial swelling from dental infection that requires urgent treatment.

Short-term risks:

Reduced likelihood of successful reimplantation
Increased pain and bleeding

Medium-term risks:

Infection of the socket
Damage to surrounding bone and teeth

Severe outcomes:

Permanent tooth loss
Facial swelling or dental infection
Need for complex restorative treatment

How Knocked-Out Teeth Are Treated at Deepcar Dental

Emergency care focuses on preserving the tooth, stabilising trauma, and preventing infection.

At Deepcar Dental, knocked-out teeth are managed by our clinical team led by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, GDC-registered Principal Dentist with advanced training in restorative and digital dentistry. Same-day emergency assessment is available where clinically appropriate.

Examination of the socket and surrounding tissues
Digital X-rays to assess root and bone damage

Reimplantation when appropriate, knocked-out tooth reimplantation is performed to carefully reposition the tooth back into the socket.
Splinting a loose tooth- After reimplantation, splinting a loose tooth may be used to stabilise the tooth while the surrounding tissues heal.
Management of soft tissue injuries

Monitoring healing
Root canal treatment if the nerve is affected

What You Should Do Right Now

If a tooth has been knocked out, follow these steps immediately:

Pick up the tooth by the crown only — do not touch the root
Rinse briefly if dirty using milk, saline, or cold water (no more than 10 seconds)
Reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible, facing the correct direction
If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk, saline, or saliva
Contact an emergency dentist immediately and attend without delay

Do NOT:

Scrub the tooth
Let the root dry out
Store the tooth in water

Frequently Asked Questions About Knocked-Out Teeth

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Often yes, especially if it is a permanent tooth and managed within 30–60 minutes.

Should a baby tooth be reinserted?

No. Baby teeth should not be reinserted.

What is the best way to store the tooth?

Cold milk or saline solution. Avoid water.

Will reimplantation be painful?

Most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Local anaesthetic can be used if needed.

Get Immediate Help for a Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth has been knocked out, contact us immediately. Fast action significantly improves the chance of saving the tooth.