Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Yes, in many cases. A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out can sometimes be reimplanted successfully if you reach a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes and the tooth has been stored properly. The cells on the root surface need to stay alive, which is why keeping the tooth moist is critical.

What is the best way to store a knocked-out tooth?

The best option is to place it back in the socket if you can do so without forcing it. If that is not possible, put it in a cup of cold milk. Milk has the right balance of pH and nutrients to keep the root cells alive. If you do not have milk, you can hold the tooth between your cheek and gums (for adults only). Do not store it in plain water.

Can a baby tooth be reimplanted?

No. Reimplanting a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath it. If a child knocks out a baby tooth, control the bleeding, comfort the child, and bring them in so we can check that no other teeth or the jawbone were injured.

What happens if I cannot get to a dentist within an hour?

The chances of successful reimplantation decrease after 60 minutes, but it is still worth trying. Keep the tooth moist and get to us as quickly as you can. Even if reimplantation is not possible, we can discuss replacement options like an implant or bridge.

How much does it cost to treat a knocked-out tooth?

The cost depends on whether the tooth can be reimplanted or needs to be replaced. Reimplantation involves an emergency visit, possible splinting, and follow-up appointments. If the tooth cannot be saved, replacement options (implant, bridge, or partial denture) have different costs. We explain all options and costs before proceeding.

Emergency dental trauma care for a knocked-out tooth

Knocked-Out Tooth? Call Us Now.

A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if you act within 30 to 60 minutes. Keep the tooth moist and call us immediately.

539-995-5962

Time-sensitive: best results within 30 minutes

What to Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part you see when you smile), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub it or remove any tissue fragments. If you can, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place by gently biting on a clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert it, put the tooth in a cup of cold milk. Then call 539-995-5962 and get to our Tulsa office as fast as you can.

Step-by-Step: Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth

Follow these steps immediately. Every minute matters.

Find the Tooth

Locate the tooth quickly. Pick it up by the crown only. Do not touch the root, which has delicate cells that help it reattach to the bone.

Rinse Gently

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with cold water. Do not scrub it, use soap, or wrap it in tissue. Do not remove any attached tissue.

Try to Reinsert

If you can, place the tooth back in the socket facing the right way. Bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place. This gives the tooth the best chance of survival.

Keep It Moist

If reinserting is not possible, put the tooth in cold milk. Not water (it damages root cells), not a napkin (it dries out). Milk or a tooth preservation kit are best.

Call Us Immediately

Call 539-995-5962 right away. Tell us what happened. We will clear time in the schedule to see you as soon as possible.

Get Here Fast

The best outcomes happen when the tooth is reimplanted within 30 minutes. Up to 60 minutes is still worth attempting. Drive safely but do not delay.

How We Treat a Knocked-Out Tooth

When you arrive, we examine the tooth, the socket, and the surrounding teeth and gums. If the tooth is viable for reimplantation, we clean the socket gently, reinsert the tooth, and splint it to the neighboring teeth with a flexible wire. This holds it stable while the ligaments and bone reattach.

The splint usually stays in place for one to two weeks. During that time, eat soft foods and avoid biting directly on the reimplanted tooth. We schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and check whether the nerve is recovering or if a root canal will be needed.

If the tooth cannot be reimplanted (too much time has passed, the root is damaged, or it is a baby tooth), we discuss replacement options: a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. Each has pros and cons depending on location, budget, and long-term goals.

Emergency dental treatment room equipped for knocked-out tooth reimplantation

Common Causes of Knocked-Out Teeth

Sports injuries. Contact sports like basketball, football, soccer, and martial arts are leading causes, especially without a mouthguard.
Falls. Slipping on wet surfaces, tripping on stairs, or falling off a bike. Children are especially prone to falls that involve the face.
Car accidents. Impact to the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag deployment can knock teeth loose or out completely.
Physical altercations. A blow to the face during a fight.
Playground injuries. Swings, seesaws, and climbing equipment are common culprits for children.

Preventing Knocked-Out Teeth

You cannot prevent every accident, but you can reduce the risk:

Wear a mouthguard during contact sports. Custom-fitted mouthguards from a dentist offer better protection than store-bought ones.
Wear a seatbelt in the car. It keeps your face away from the dashboard and steering wheel in a collision.
Address loose teeth early. If a tooth feels wobbly, see a dentist before it falls out or gets knocked out more easily.

When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead

Some dental situations need hospital care, not a dental office. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you have: facial swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, swelling spreading toward your eye or down your neck, uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure, or trauma suggesting a broken jaw. For all other dental emergencies, call us at 539-995-5962.

Knocked-Out Tooth Questions

What you need to know about knocked-out teeth and reimplantation.

Tooth Knocked Out? Every Minute Counts.

Call us right now. We will clear time in our schedule and tell you exactly what to do while you are on the way.

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