Knocked-Out Tooth Treatment

A knocked-out adult tooth may be able to be replanted if it is handled correctly and seen quickly. There are no guarantees, but the sooner the tooth is assessed, the better the chance that replantation is a workable option. Do not wait. Call 780-432-3430 now while you follow the steps below.

How the tooth is handled 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 holds delicate cells that matter for replantation, and touching it can damage them.

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 it, use soap, or remove any tissue still attached to the root.

3. 3

   Keep the tooth moist

   The tooth must not dry out. From most to least preferable: gently place it back in the socket (if the person is calm and old enough to hold it there safely), hold it between the cheek and gum, or store it in a container of cold milk. Plain water and open air are not suitable.

4. 4

   Come in right away

   Get to the office as quickly as possible, and call ahead so the team is ready when you arrive.

When a tooth is knocked out, the ligament fibres that hold the root to the bone are torn. Those cells can stay viable for a while if the tooth is kept moist, but they break down as time passes and as the tooth dries.

The sooner the tooth is replanted, whether by the patient, a parent, or a dental professional, the more likely those cells are to support healing. No single time window applies to every case, because the tooth's condition, how it was stored, and individual factors all play a part. What is clear is that prompt action gives the best chance.

Even if replantation is not possible, coming in quickly lets the dentist assess the socket, manage injury to the surrounding tissue, and talk through tooth replacement options.

A note about baby teeth

If a baby (primary) tooth is knocked out, do not try to put it back yourself. Replanting a baby tooth is generally not recommended because it can interfere with the permanent tooth developing underneath. Bring your child in so the dentist can check the area and surrounding tissue and advise on next steps.