What to Do When a Tooth Gets Knocked Out: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

Act within 30 minutes:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown only (not the root)
2. Rinse gently with milk or water if dirty
3. Try to replant it in the socket immediately
4. If you can't replant it, store in milk
5. Call your emergency dentist immediately

Time is critical—the sooner you act, the better chance of saving the tooth.

It's a scenario that can cause instant panic: a slip and fall, a sports injury, or an unexpected accident, and suddenly you're holding your own tooth in your hand. A knocked-out tooth, or what we dentists call an "avulsed tooth," is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies there is. But here's the good news: if you act quickly and correctly, there's a very good chance we can save the tooth.

The key is to stay calm and follow a few critical steps. As a dentist in Mobile, AL, I've seen my share of dental emergencies. And as a former pilot, I know how important it is to have a clear plan and execute it calmly under pressure. So, let's walk through exactly what you should do if you or a loved one ever has a tooth knocked out. Think of this as your emergency checklist.

The First 30 Minutes are Critical

When a tooth is knocked out, the tiny ligaments that attach it to the bone are torn. The cells on the root surface begin to dry out and die very quickly. Our window of opportunity to successfully replant the tooth is very small, ideally within 30-60 minutes. The faster you can get to a dentist, the better the prognosis.

Here in Mobile, whether you're fishing on Dog River or your child is playing sports in Tillman's Corner, accidents can happen fast. Knowing these steps can make all the difference.

Step 1: Find the Tooth and Handle it with Care

First things first, find the tooth. When you pick it up, be very careful to only touch the crown—the white, shiny part that you normally see when you smile.

DO NOT touch the root. The root surface is covered in delicate cells that are essential for reattachment. Touching or scrubbing the root can damage these cells and make it impossible for the tooth to heal back into its socket.

Step 2: Clean the Tooth (Gently!)

If the tooth is dirty, you'll want to rinse it off. But again, be gentle.

DO rinse it for a few seconds with cold running water or milk.

DO NOT scrub it, wipe it with a cloth, or use any soap or chemicals. The goal is just to remove any obvious dirt or debris, not to sterilize it.

Step 3: Try to Replant the Tooth

This might sound intimidating, but it is the single best thing you can do to save the tooth. Replanting the tooth in its socket immediately keeps the root alive and in its natural environment.

Gently try to push the tooth back into its socket. Make sure it's facing the right way. It should slide into place with gentle pressure. Once it's in, you can hold it in place by biting down on a clean cloth or a piece of gauze.

If you can't get the tooth back in the socket—don't force it. Sometimes the socket is damaged, or it just won't go back in easily. That's okay. The next step is just as important.

📞 Need Help Now?

Knocked-out tooth emergency? Call Rabbit Creek Dental immediately at (251) 308-0584. We provide same-day emergency dental care in Mobile, AL for patients in Tillman's Corner, West Mobile, and surrounding areas. Every minute counts!

Step 4: Keep the Tooth Moist

If you can't replant the tooth, you must keep it moist. A dry tooth is a dead tooth. The best way to transport the tooth to the dentist is in a container of milk. The chemical makeup of milk is very similar to our own bodies and helps preserve those delicate root cells.

Best Option: Place the tooth in a small container of milk.

Second Best Option: If you don't have milk, you can have the patient hold the tooth in their mouth, between their cheek and gum. This is a good option for adults, but not for young children who might swallow it.

DO NOT use water. Tap water can damage the cells on the root surface. Only use it for a very brief rinse if the tooth is dirty.

Step 5: Call Your Emergency Dentist Immediately

As soon as you have the tooth secured, call us. At Rabbit Creek Dental, we do our very best to see emergency patients on the same day. Let us know what happened, and that you're on your way. The sooner we can see you, the better our chances of saving the tooth.

When you arrive, we'll assess the situation, clean the socket, and if you haven't already, we'll replant the tooth. We will then use a flexible splint to stabilize the tooth, attaching it to the neighboring teeth to hold it in place while it heals. This splint will typically stay on for a couple of weeks.

FAQ: Your Knocked-Out Tooth Questions

What if it's a baby tooth that gets knocked out?

If a baby tooth is knocked out, we generally do not try to replant it. Trying to put a baby tooth back in its socket can risk damaging the permanent tooth that is developing underneath. You should still come in to see us so we can make sure there are no other injuries, but you don't need to be as concerned about saving the tooth itself.

Does it hurt to have a tooth replanted?

We will numb the area completely before we do anything. You may feel some pressure as we place the tooth back in the socket and apply the splint, but it should not be painful. The area will likely be sore for a few days afterward as it begins to heal.

Will the replanted tooth need a root canal?

In most cases, yes. When a tooth is knocked out, the blood supply to the nerve is severed. This means the nerve inside the tooth will die. A root canal will be needed, usually a week or two after the tooth is stabilized, to prevent infection and allow the tooth to be saved long-term.

Can you save a tooth that's been out of the mouth for an hour?

The chances decrease significantly after 60 minutes, but it's still worth trying. Bring the tooth with you even if more time has passed. In some cases, we can still successfully replant it, especially if it was stored properly in milk.

Your Emergency Partner in Mobile

Dental emergencies are stressful, but knowing what to do can empower you to take control of the situation. At Rabbit Creek Dental, we're here for you when the unexpected happens. We're proud to serve our community in Tillman's Corner and the greater Mobile area, providing prompt, compassionate care when you need it most.

If you're dealing with a knocked-out tooth or any other dental emergency, call Rabbit Creek Dental immediately. We'll guide you on what to do and prepare for your arrival. Let Dr. G and our team help you through it.

Related Articles:

• Do Emergency Dentists Take Walk-Ins? Your Guide to Same-Day Dental Care
• Dental Abscess Symptoms: When a Toothache Becomes an Emergency

About the Author

Dr. Gegzna (Dr. G) is a general dentist serving Mobile, AL and surrounding communities. After earning his degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2014, he served as a dentist at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and on military bases in Iraq. He brings precision, care, and a patient-first approach to every procedure at Rabbit Creek Dental in Tillman's Corner.

Rabbit Creek Dental

5000 Rangeline Xing Drive S, Suite D

Mobile, AL 36619

Phone: (251) 308-0584

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office.