If your tooth gets knocked out, stay calm, there’s a chance it can be saved. The most important thing you can do is act fast. If you get to your dentist within 30 to 60 minutes, there’s a much higher chance that the tooth can be successfully re-implanted.

At Thrive Dental & Orthodontics, we know how stressful dental emergencies can feel. That’s why we’re sharing the exact steps to take if you or a loved one loses a tooth. Follow these tips, and you’ll give your teeth the best possible chance for a full recovery.

Step 1: Pick Up the Tooth by the Crown (Not the Root)

Carefully locate the tooth and pick it up by the chewing surface (the crown), not the root. Touching the root can damage the delicate tissues that help the tooth reattach to your jawbone. These cells are essential to the healing process and should stay intact whenever possible.

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, do not scrub or use soap. Scrubbing can destroy the living tissue needed for reattachment.

Step 2: Try to Reinsert the Tooth (If You Can)

If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket. Hold it in place by biting down on a clean piece of gauze or cloth. Reinserting the tooth quickly helps it stay viable and gives your body a better chance to accept it and begin the healing process.

If reinsertion isn’t possible or feels painful, don’t force it. It’s more important to keep the tooth moist and get to the dentist quickly.

Step 3: Keep the Tooth Moist

A knocked-out tooth needs to stay moist to survive. If the root dries out, the chances of saving it drop significantly. Moisture keeps the cells on the root surface alive and ready for reattachment.

If you can’t put it back in the socket, place it in:

• A cup of milk (preferred due to its pH and nutrient content)
• A tooth preservation kit (like Save-a-Tooth, if available)
• Your own saliva (by holding it between your cheek and gum)

Avoid storing the tooth in water alone, as it can damage root cells beyond repair.

Step 4: Call Your Dentist Immediately

Time is critical. The sooner you get professional care, the better your chances of saving the tooth. Ideally, you should see your dentist within 30 minutes, but don’t give up if it’s been longer. In many cases, teeth can still be reinserted up to an hour or more later.

We provide emergency dental care for kids, teens, and adults, and we’re ready to help you in those urgent moments.

What to Do if a Tooth Gets Knocked Out After Business Hours

Dental emergencies don’t always happen during business hours, but acting quickly is still crucial. If you lose a tooth after our office is closed, follow the steps above immediately: handle the tooth carefully, keep it moist, and try to reinsert it if possible.

Then, call our office and follow the instructions on our voicemail. We monitor messages and do our best to respond to emergency cases as soon as possible. In the meantime, keeping the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation kit can give us the best chance to save it when we see you.

Should you go to urgent care or the ER?
In most cases, a knocked-out tooth is best treated by a dentist. However, if you’re also experiencing severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a concussion, it’s important to visit urgent care or the emergency room first. Once those medical concerns are addressed, call your dentist to restore your smile.

Step 5: Consider Tooth Replacement Options If the Tooth Can’t Be Saved

Even with the best care, sometimes a knocked-out tooth can’t be re-implanted. But don’t worry—we have advanced, natural-looking solutions that restore your smile beautifully.

• For a single missing tooth, a Single Tooth Implant offers a strong, permanent replacement that looks and feels just like a real tooth.
• If you’re missing more than one, we also offer Multiple Tooth Implants for a seamless solution that supports both function and confidence.

Tooth replacement not only restores your appearance, but it also helps maintain jaw structure and prevent shifting of nearby teeth.

Your Emergency Dental Team Is Just a Call Away

When a dental emergency strikes, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Thrive Dental & Orthodontics, we’re here with expert care, compassionate support, and same-day appointments when you need them most.

Lost a tooth? Don’t wait. Book your visit now and let us help protect your smile, every step of the way.