Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if you act fast — here is what to do and why every minute counts.
A tooth gets knocked out and suddenly you are standing there, heart pounding, holding a tooth in your hand and wondering what to do. Here is the most important thing: time matters. If you can get to us within 30 to 60 minutes, there is a real chance that tooth can be put back in and saved. Call us at 540-586-8080 right now, and we will be ready for you when you walk through the door.
Pick the tooth up by the crown — the white part you normally see. Do not touch the root. If it is dirty, rinse it very gently under water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub it, do not wrap it in a tissue, and do not let it dry out. The cells on the root surface are what allow the tooth to reattach, and they are delicate.
The best place for a knocked-out tooth is back in its socket. If you can, gently slip it back in and bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If that is not possible — maybe it is a child, or maybe the area is too swollen — put the tooth in a small container of cold milk. Milk keeps the root cells alive better than water does. If you do not have milk, tuck the tooth between your cheek and gum so it stays in saliva. Just get to us quickly.
When you arrive, Dr. Maharaj will evaluate the tooth, the socket, and the surrounding area. If the tooth is in good shape and you got here quickly, he will clean the socket, reposition the tooth, and splint it to the neighboring teeth so it can heal in place. That process takes a few weeks, and you will need follow-up visits to make sure everything is bonding properly.
Not every knocked-out tooth can be saved. If too much time has passed, if the root is fractured, or if the socket itself has been badly damaged, reimplantation may not be possible. In that case, you will hear an honest assessment and a clear explanation of your replacement options — implants, bridges, or other solutions. Either way, you will leave knowing exactly where things stand and what comes next.
If you have kids playing sports in Bedford, Forest, or anywhere in Bedford County, a custom mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make. It costs a fraction of emergency treatment and can prevent the kind of injury that sends you searching for a page like this one. Ask us about one at your next cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do I need to get to the dentist with a knocked-out tooth?
Within 30 to 60 minutes gives you the best chance of saving the tooth. The sooner the better — every minute the tooth is out of its socket, the root cells are deteriorating. Call us at 540-586-8080 immediately and head our way.
Should I put the tooth back in the socket myself?
If you can do it gently, yes — that is actually the best thing for the tooth. Hold it by the crown, rinse it lightly if needed, and slip it back in. Bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If it will not go in easily or you are not comfortable trying, put it in cold milk and get to us fast.
Can a baby tooth be reimplanted?
No — reimplantation is only done with permanent (adult) teeth. Trying to replant a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, control the bleeding with a clean cloth and call us so we can check the area and make sure the permanent tooth is okay.
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