Knocked-Out Tooth

How you handle the tooth in the next few minutes can affect whether replantation is possible. Follow these steps carefully:

1. 1

   Pick up the tooth by the crown

   Handle the tooth by the white part (the crown), not the root. The root surface contains delicate cells that are important for replantation. Touching the root can damage these cells.

2. 2

   Rinse gently if it is dirty

   If the tooth is visibly dirty, rinse it very gently with clean water for no more than a few seconds. Do not scrub the tooth, use soap, or remove any tissue that may still be attached to the root.

3. 3

   Keep the tooth moist

   The tooth must not dry out. The options, from most to least preferable, are: gently re-inserting it into the socket (if the patient is calm and old enough to hold it safely), placing it between the patient's cheek and gum, or storing it in a container of cold milk. Plain water and letting the tooth dry out in open air are not suitable.

4. 4

   Come in immediately

   Get to our clinic as quickly as possible. Call ahead so we can be ready for you when you arrive.

When a tooth is knocked out, the ligament fibres that attach the root to the bone are torn. These cells can remain viable for a period of time if the tooth is kept moist, but they begin to deteriorate as time passes and if the tooth dries out.

The sooner the tooth is replanted, either by the patient, a parent, or a dental professional, the more likely those cells are to be in a condition that can support healing. There is no specific window that applies to every situation, as tooth condition, storage medium, and individual factors all play a role. What is clear is that prompt action gives the best chance.

Even if replantation is not possible, coming in quickly allows us to assess the socket, manage any trauma to the surrounding tissue, and discuss replacement options.