My tooth got knocked out. What should I do?
A knocked-out tooth is a time-sensitive emergency:
Immediate steps: 1. Find the tooth 2. Pick it up by the CROWN (white part), NOT the root 3. Gently rinse if dirty (no scrubbing) 4. Try to reinsert into socket immediately 5. Bite on gauze to hold in place 6. If you can't reinsert, keep tooth moist
How to keep tooth moist: - Best: Milk - Second best: Your saliva (inside cheek) - Acceptable: Saline solution - NOT water (damages cells)
Time is critical: - Within 30 minutes: Excellent chance of saving - 30-60 minutes: Good chance - 60+ minutes: Decreasing success - After 2 hours: Poor prognosis
Call us immediately: (703) 729-6222
What we'll do: - Examine and clean the tooth - Reposition and splint - Root canal may be needed later - Monitor healing
If tooth can't be saved: - Dental implant is best replacement - Other options discussed - Don't delay replacement
Prevention: - Mouthguards for sports - Seatbelts in vehicles - Avoid chewing hard objects
Still have questions?
Our team is available Monday – Saturday. Call or use the chat assistant below.