Knocked Out Teeth

What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, acting fast gives you the best chance of saving it. A tooth that is re-implanted within 30 minutes has the highest success rate. Here's what to do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) - never touch the root
• If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue fragments
• Try to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze
• If you can't reinsert it, place the tooth in a container of cold milk
• Get to a dentist within 30 minutes if possible

Do not let the tooth dry out. Keeping it moist is critical for successful re-implantation.

Dental Trauma in Children

By the age of 16, one-quarter of all children have had some type of dental trauma. Among children aged 1 to 3, injuries often occur when learning to crawl, walk, and run. Among school-age children, most injuries are sports related - from bike riding to organized sports like Little League.

If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to re-implant it, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. However, you should still see a dentist to make sure no fragments remain and to monitor the space for the permanent tooth.

Tooth-Proofing Your Home

Prevention starts at home. Simple steps can reduce the risk of dental injuries for young children:

• Put away or pad furniture with sharp corners and edges
• If your child uses a walker, make sure sturdy gates are fastened at the top of stairs
• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and on slippery floors
• Supervise young children during active play

The Importance of Mouthguards

Mouthguards should be required in many more sports than they currently are. They don't just protect teeth - they absorb shock in the chin and help protect the brain from concussion.

Athletes should wear them for baseball, basketball, skateboarding, scooters, in-line skating, and any activity with a risk of falls or contact.

Mouthguard Options

• Off-the-shelf: Available at sports stores, but not custom-fit and often uncomfortable
• Boil-and-bite: Soften in hot water and mold to the teeth for a better fit
• Custom-fitted: Made by your dentist from a model of your teeth - the best protection and most comfortable option ($30-$60)

After Re-Implantation

If the tooth is successfully re-implanted, your dentist will:

• Splint the tooth to the adjacent teeth for 1-2 weeks to stabilize it
• Monitor healing with follow-up visits
• Evaluate whether a root canal is needed (common for mature teeth)
• Take X-rays to check for root resorption over the following months

Quick Emergency Tips

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