Knocked-Out Tooth – What to Do
A tooth that has been knocked out is both painful and alarming, but quick action provides good results. At Paramount Dental in Roseville, our urgent care team is here to help save or restore your tooth. If your tooth has been avulsed (knocked out or loosened), contact us immediately for emergency care.
First Aid for an Avulsed Tooth
Follow these steps if you experience a knocked-out tooth:
- Find the tooth: Pick it up carefully by the crown and rinse it gently with water.
- Handle with care: Avoid touching the root.
- Reinsert if possible: Once rinsed, place the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place with your fingers or gently bite down for at least five minutes.
- Cushion it: Use gauze or a damp tea bag to keep the tooth stabilized.
If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible:
- Keep it moist: Place the tooth inside your mouth between your cheek and tongue, or in a small container with cold milk (not water).
- Control bleeding: Place gauze, a tea bag, or another clean material over the socket.
- Call immediately: Contact Paramount Dental at (916) 898-0003.
These steps greatly increase the chances of saving your natural tooth.
Emergency Dental Care for Knocked-Out Teeth
Seeing a dentist quickly after a tooth is knocked out offers the best chance of saving it. Paramount Dental is available 24/7 to provide urgent care and treatment options based on your situation. Call us anytime at (916) 898-0003 for immediate help in Roseville.
Schedule A Knocked Out Tooth Consultation
Tooth Knocked Out FAQs
What’s the very first step after a tooth is knocked out?
If it’s an adult or permanent tooth, handle it only by the crown. Gently rinse the tooth and place it back into the socket immediately. If you can’t, store the tooth in milk or saliva and come to our office right away.
How much time do I have to save the tooth?
As soon as possible, ideally within 30–60 minutes. Keeping the tooth moist at all times is critical.
Should I reinsert a baby tooth?
No, this isn’t necessary. Come into the office so that we can examine the developing permanent tooth and ensure it is protected.
What should I store the tooth in if I can’t reinsert it?
Store your tooth in milk or your saliva, NOT water. Specialized preservation solutions are ideal if immediately available. Never let the tooth dry out.
Will I need a root canal after replantation?
Most likely, yes. Mature permanent teeth need root canal therapy after replantation, depending on your age, root development, and how long the tooth was out.
Do I need a mouthguard after I heal?
We always recommend wearing a custom mouthguard during sports activities. This helps prevent future injuries and protects dental work.
