Why Emergency Dentistry Is Essential for a Knocked-Out Tooth

Accidents can happen in a split second. One moment you’re playing sports, riding a bike, or walking down the stairs, and the next, you’ve hit your mouth and a tooth is out.

Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth are a common emergency — in a study of trauma patients, 24% attended for dental injuries, two-thirds of which were tooth avulsions. At A Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio, we want you to know that acting fast can make all the difference.

In this blog, we explain why emergency dentistry matters so much when a tooth gets knocked out and what you should do to give yourself the best chance of saving your smile.

Why a knocked-out tooth is a big deal

Losing a permanent tooth isn’t just about appearance; it can affect your ability to chew, speak clearly, and keep other teeth in place. When you knock out a tooth, the attached blood vessels and nerves also tear. The tooth dies quickly without fast treatment.

But here’s the good news: If you get to an emergency dentist within 30-60 minutes, there’s a good chance they can save the tooth. That’s why time is so important.

How teeth get knocked out

Knocked-out teeth most often affect kids and adults who play sports, but they can happen to anyone. Other common causes include:

• Falls or trips
• Car or bike accidents
• Fights or physical trauma
• Biting down on something hard

No matter the cause, what you do in the first few minutes matters most.

What to do if a tooth gets knocked out

If your tooth gets knocked out, don’t panic, but act fast. Follow these steps:

1. Find the tooth

Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part you chew with), not the root. Touching the root can damage the tiny fibers that help reattach the tooth.

2. Rinse gently (if dirty)

If the tooth falls on the ground, rinse it gently with milk or clean water. Don’t scrub it or use soap. You want to keep the root intact.

3. Try to put the tooth back in its socket

If possible, gently place the tooth back into its spot and hold it in place with clean fingers or by biting down on gauze or a soft cloth.

4. Keep the tooth moist

Never let the tooth dry out — a dry tooth is much harder to save. If you can’t put it back in its socket, place the tooth in a glass of milk, a special tooth preservation kit (if available), or your cheek, where you can keep it moist with saliva. 

This last option isn’t suitable for young children who may swallow the tooth.

5. See an emergency dentist immediately

Call us at A Caring Dental Group or head to the nearest emergency dentist right away.

How emergency dentists help

When you arrive, we examine your mouth and the tooth. If the tooth is still healthy, we may be able to replant it. We clean the socket, reposition the tooth, and possibly place a splint (a small wire or plastic piece) to help hold the tooth in place while it heals.

You may need a root canal later, depending on how the tooth responds. We explain every step and ensure you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

What if the tooth can’t be saved?

Sometimes, we can’t replant the tooth, especially if it’s badly damaged or has been out for too long. For example, suppose the tooth has been dry for over an hour. In that case, the majority of cells in the periodontal ligament attaching the tooth to the bone have died.

If we can’t save your tooth, we still have options to restore your smile, such as:

• Dental implants
• Bridges
• Partial dentures

We work with you to find the best solution for your needs and budget.

How to prevent a knocked-out tooth

Not all accidents are avoidable, but here are some simple ways to lower the risk:

• Wear a mouthguard during sports and physical activities
• Use seat belts in cars and helmets when biking or skating
• Avoid chewing objects like ice, pens, or hard candy
• Childproof your home if you have young kids

Regular dental checkups also help keep your teeth strong and healthy, so they’re less likely to come out.

A knocked-out tooth can be scary, but fast action and expert care can make a huge difference. The sooner you get help, the better the outcomes, so if you or someone you love knocks out a tooth, don’t wait — call A Caring Dental Group right away.