A knocked-out tooth needs fast, careful action by an emergency dentist. The steps below take only a few minutes, and you can complete most of them at home. Quickly arrange dental care while keeping the tooth with you at all times.
Handle the Tooth Carefully
Find the tooth first, and check the tooth for any visible cracks or missing pieces. A broken tooth may still be saved, so bring all fragments with you to the dentist. Time matters; the sooner you act, the better the outcome. Stay calm and work through each step carefully. It helps to have a second person assist you, especially if you are also dealing with oral bleeding. Keep children still and seated while you locate and handle the tooth. Speed matters, but careful handling protects the root tissue that your emergency dentist needs intact.
Store the Tooth in Milk
Some teeth will not fit back into the socket. In that case, keep the tooth moist and bring it with you to the dentist. Place the tooth in a small, clean container of milk. If you do not have milk, spit into the container and set the tooth in your saliva. Milk and saliva both keep the root moist, and they help preserve the living cells on the root’s surface. The goal is to keep the root cells alive until your dentist can assess the tooth.
If you are using a small cup, choose one you can easily transport. Label the container if other people are nearby, so no one accidentally moves or discards it. Keep it at room temperature, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source. A sealed container prevents spills and keeps the tooth from drying out during transport. Check that the container has a secure lid or cover.
Control Bleeding and Gum Injury
The empty socket will likely bleed. Fold a piece of clean gauze and place it over the socket. Bite down with steady pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. If gauze is not available, a clean folded cloth or paper towel works as a short-term substitute. Use whatever is clean and absorbent, and apply steady, even pressure the entire time. Do not peek at the socket every few minutes, as this disrupts clot formation. If you take blood thinners or have a condition that affects clotting, bleeding may last longer than usual. Note this when you call your dentist, and mention any medications you currently take. Swallowing small amounts of blood is common and not harmful, but significant or uncontrolled bleeding warrants a trip to the emergency room. Keep track of the following, since your dentist may ask for this information:
- How long the bleeding lasts
- How many gauze pads you use
- Any medications you currently take
Call Your Emergency Dentist
Contact a dentist as soon as possible. Call your office and describe the injury to your team. They treat knocked-out teeth, oral bleeding, and gum or oral tissue injury. Your team can explain next steps by phone, and they will prepare for your arrival. If the bleeding is heavy or you have other injuries, go to an emergency room.
