A knocked-out tooth is one of the more stressful dental emergencies, but what you do in the first few minutes has a real impact on whether it can be saved.
Step 1: Retrieve and Rinse the Tooth
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, never the root — handling the root can damage the cells needed for it to reattach. If it’s dirty, rinse gently under running water for a few seconds; don’t scrub it or use soap.
Step 2: Reinsert or Store It Properly
If possible, gently reposition the tooth back into its socket and bite down on gauze or a wet tea bag to hold it in place. If you can’t reinsert it, keep it moist at all costs — in milk, or in a saliva-based storage solution if you have an emergency dental kit on hand. Never store it dry or in plain water, which damages the root surface.
Step 3: Get to a Dentist Immediately
Time is the biggest factor in saving a knocked-out tooth — ideally within 30 minutes. Call ahead so the team can be ready the moment you arrive.
Reducing Your Risk
A properly fitted mouthguard during sports, along with regular checkups and good oral hygiene, is your best defense against this kind of injury in the first place.
If you’re dealing with a knocked-out tooth right now, don’t wait. Call Densley Dental at (702) 212-6641 immediately.