Why Prompt Dental Care Matters for a Knocked-Out Tooth

If you or someone you are with knocks out a tooth, it’s natural to feel panicked, but staying calm helps you think clearly and handle the situation with care.

In addition, knowing how to care for your affected area before professional help is available can help reduce pain, prevent infection, and improve the chances of saving the tooth or preparing the area for the best restorative treatment.

What to Do If Your Tooth is Knocked Out

If you or someone you are with knocks out a tooth, it’s natural to feel panicked, but staying calm helps you think clearly and handle the situation with care.

 In addition, knowing how to care for your affected area before professional help is available can help reduce pain, prevent infection, and improve the chances of saving the tooth or preparing the area for the best restorative treatment.

Locate the Tooth & Handle It Carefully

Find the tooth immediately. Always hold it by the crown (the white chewing surface), not the root, when you pick it up. Touching the root can damage cells needed for successful reattachment or further dental treatments.

Rinse Gently, Do Not Scrub

If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. If those aren’t available, use water briefly. Do not scrub, brush, or use soap or chemicals, as they can destroy the root tissue and reduce the chance of saving the tooth.

Try to Reinsert the Tooth

If you feel comfortable doing so, gently place the tooth back into the socket, root side first. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze. This helps preserve the root's connection with the bone and surrounding tissue.

If you can’t safely reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk or saline. If those aren’t available, hold it inside your cheek to keep it moist (this is not recommended for young children, who may accidentally swallow it).

Never let the tooth dry out or use tap water for storage. Proper storage maintains root cell viability until you reach your dentist.

Go to the Dentist Immediately

Time is critical when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. Visit your dentist as soon as possible, not only to save the tooth but also to prevent further damage to your smile. Prompt care ensures the surrounding teeth and gums are protected, stabilized, and properly prepared for the most effective restorative solution.



At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we offer advanced emergency and restorative dental care, including dental implants, bridges, and custom crowns, to rebuild your smile quickly, safely, and with natural-looking results.

Tips to Prevent Knocked-Out Teeth

While accidents can’t always be avoided, taking proactive steps can reduce the risk of dental injuries. 

We advise you to follow the tips below to help protect your smile.

• Wear a Mouthguard During Sports: If you play contact sports like football, hockey, or basketball, or engage in recreational activities, such as skateboarding or biking, a custom-fitted mouthguard is a smart investment. It cushions your teeth against sudden impact, helping prevent knocked-out or fractured teeth.

• Avoid Using Teeth to Open Objects: Avoid using your teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or bite hard items like pens. These habits may seem harmless, but can result in chips, fractures, or tooth loss. Keep proper tools nearby and encourage kids and teens to treat their teeth gently.

• Childproof Your Home: Young kids are naturally curious and prone to falls. Install corner guards on furniture, use baby gates near stairs, and supervise playtime to reduce the risk of falls and face-first impact. 



• Get Regular Dental Checkups: Routine dental visits help detect and address any dental vulnerabilities, such as loose teeth, untreated cavities, or misaligned bites, which could result in a tooth getting knocked out.

Restore Your Smile with Confidence

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency, but with the right immediate action, it can often be saved. The key is prompt action, proper handling, and immediate professional care.

At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we understand how frightening and overwhelming dental emergencies can feel. Therefore, we are always ready to provide expert, timely care when you need it most.

To schedule a consultation, please call us at 720-868-8092 or request an appointment online.