A tooth just got knocked out, and every minute counts. What should you do? Storing a knocked-out tooth the right way can mean the difference between saving it and losing it, which is why this is a true emergency dentistry situation. Emergency dentistry handles urgent problems like a knocked-out tooth fast, often the same day. Acting quickly and keeping the tooth moist give it the best chance. A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if you move fast, and the first hour matters most, so it helps to know the steps ahead of time. Stay calm, and follow a simple plan.

Key Takeaways

  • A knocked-out tooth is a true emergency, so act within 30 minutes if you can.
  • Pick the tooth up by the crown and never touch the delicate root surface.
  • If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water without scrubbing it clean.
  • The best storage is back in its own socket, or in milk if that is not possible.
  • Bring the tooth along and get to a dentist right away for the best chance.

Step 1: Pick It Up the Right Way

How you handle the tooth matters a lot. Always pick it up by the crown, the white part you chew with, and never touch the root. The root has delicate cells that help the tooth reattach, and touching them can cause damage. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently, but do not scrub it or wipe it dry. Handle it as little as possible. Try to find the tooth quickly if it fell on the ground, and rinsing with milk is even gentler than water. Speed and a gentle touch both matter here, and a calm response protects the tooth. The less you touch the root, the better the tooth’s chances.

Step 2: Try to Put It Back

The best place for the tooth is its socket. The first step in how to save a knocked out tooth is to gently place it back where it came from, root first. Hold it in place by biting softly on clean gauze or a cloth. If it goes back in, it stays moist and has the best chance to survive. If you cannot reinsert it, move to the next step. Make sure it faces the right way before you push it in, and it may feel odd, but a tooth in its socket stays healthiest. Reinserting it fast is the best option of all, since the socket is the tooth’s natural home. Do not force it if it will not go, and if in doubt, store it instead and head to the dentist.

Step 3: Store It in Milk

If the tooth will not go back in, keep it moist. According to the American Association of Endodontists, a knocked-out tooth should be kept moist at all times, and if it cannot go back in the socket, it should be placed in milk, not tap water. Storing a knocked-out tooth in milk protects the root cells better than water, which can harm them. You can also tuck it in your cheek, next to the gum. Never let the tooth dry out. A small cup or a clean bag of milk works well for the trip, and milk is easy to find in most kitchens. Keeping the tooth wet keeps the root cells alive, and those cells are what let the tooth reattach. A dry tooth is much harder to save.

Step 4: See a Dentist Fast

Time is the most important factor. Try to see a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth. Even so, a tooth can sometimes be saved after an hour or more, so do not give up. Bring the tooth with you, stored in milk or in your cheek. The sooner you are seen, the better the outcome. Call ahead so the office knows you are coming, and if your regular dentist is closed, look for an emergency dentist. Time truly is the biggest factor in success, so do not wait for a regular appointment. Bringing the tooth gives them the best chance to save it.

What Not to Do

A few mistakes can ruin the tooth’s chances. Do not scrub the tooth, use soap, or dry it off. Do not store it in plain tap water, which harms the root cells. Do not hold it by the root or wrap it in a paper towel. Avoiding these keeps the tooth healthy until you get help. Do not panic and toss the tooth, since it can often be saved, and do not clean it with mouthwash or chemicals. Do not wait to see if it feels better on its own, and handle the tooth as little as you can. Every minute the tooth is dry lowers its chances.

Act Fast, Save the Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is scary, but quick action gives it a real chance. Handle it by the crown, try to put it back, or store it in milk, and get help fast. Emergency dentistry can often save a tooth that is treated within the first hour. If a tooth gets knocked out, stay calm, keep it moist, and act right away. Quick, calm action gives your tooth its best shot, so keep these steps in mind before you ever need them.

If you want to learn more about how to store a knocked-out tooth, visit our Emergency Dentistry in Salt Lake City, UT, page or schedule a consultation.