What to Do If a Permanent Tooth Gets Knocked Out
A knocked-out permanent tooth (avulsed tooth) can often be saved — but only if you act within the first 60 minutes. Reimplant the tooth immediately if possible, or store it in milk and get to an emergency dentist right away. Every minute the tooth is outside the socket significantly reduces its chances of survival.
If you or someone in your family has had a tooth knocked out in Calgary NW, follow these steps immediately and contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Step-by-Step First Aid for a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
1. Handle the Tooth Correctly
Pick the tooth up by the crown — the smooth, white part you normally see in the mouth. Do not touch the root (the yellowish, pointy end). The root surface contains delicate cells that are essential for successful reimplantation. Touching or damaging them reduces the chance of saving the tooth.
2. Rinse Gently If the Tooth Is Dirty
If the tooth is visibly dirty, rinse it briefly under clean water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub, rub, wrap it in tissue, or use any cleaning products. You must not let the root surface dry out.
3. Reimplant the Tooth If Possible
If the person is conscious and cooperative, gently slide the tooth back into the socket with the root end pointing into the gum. Hold it in place by biting softly on a clean handkerchief or soft cloth. This is the single most important step — a tooth reimplanted within 5 minutes has the highest chance of survival.
4. Store the Tooth Safely If You Cannot Reimplant It
If reimplanting is not possible, store the tooth in a container of cold whole milk. Milk preserves the root cells far better than water. Alternatively, place the tooth between the cheek and gum (if the person is an adult and there is no risk of swallowing it). Do not store the tooth in water, and never let it dry out.
5. Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
Call your dentist or an emergency dentist in NW Calgary straight away. Time is critical. Even if the tooth has been reimplanted, you still need professional assessment and treatment as soon as possible.
What Not to Do With a Knocked-Out Tooth
- Do not handle the tooth by the root
- Do not scrub or clean the tooth with soap, toothpaste, or any cleaning product
- Do not let the tooth dry out — keeping it moist is essential
- Do not store the tooth in plain water for extended periods
- Do not wrap the tooth in tissue or cloth
What to Expect After Emergency Treatment
Once the tooth has been reimplanted by a licensed dentist, follow-up treatment will depend on the extent of the injury. This may include:
- Splinting — the tooth may be temporarily bonded to adjacent teeth while it stabilises
- Antibiotics — prescribed to reduce the risk of infection at the socket
- Root canal treatment — often needed within 1–2 weeks of reimplantation; visit our root canal treatment page for more information
- Follow-up X-rays — to monitor how the tooth and surrounding bone are healing
If the tooth cannot be saved, replacement options such as dental implants or dental bridges may be discussed with your dentist.
Other Dental Injuries to Know About
Tooth Knocked Loose or Displaced
If a tooth has been pushed inward, outward, sideways, or partially into the jawbone but is still attached, do not attempt to move it yourself. Contact your dentist immediately. The tooth may need to be repositioned and splinted by a licensed dental professional.
Fractured or Chipped Tooth
The treatment for a fractured tooth depends on the depth of the fracture. A minor chip may only require smoothing or a composite filling, while a deep fracture involving the nerve may require root canal treatment or extraction. All tooth fractures should be assessed by a dentist — do not attempt to treat them at home.
Possible Broken Jaw
If you cannot bring your upper and lower teeth together after a facial injury, your jaw may be fractured. This is a medical emergency. Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.
Preventing Knocked-Out Teeth
- Wear a custom-fitted sports mouthguard during contact sports and recreational activities — this is the most effective way to protect your teeth from traumatic injury
- Wear a seatbelt at all times while in a vehicle
- Childproof your home to reduce fall hazards for young children — learn more about our dental care for children in Calgary
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite hard objects
Get Emergency Dental Help in Calgary NW
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies you can face. If you or a family member has experienced a dental injury, contact Expressions Dental in Calgary NW immediately. Our licensed dental team is experienced in managing dental trauma and will work to give your tooth the best possible chance of survival. Visit our emergency dental care page or call us directly — do not wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a knocked-out permanent tooth really be saved?
Yes — a knocked-out permanent tooth can often be saved if you act quickly. The best outcomes occur when the tooth is reimplanted within 5 minutes. Even if reimplantation takes up to 60 minutes, there is still a reasonable chance of success if the tooth has been kept moist in milk or a preservation solution.
What is the best way to store a knocked-out tooth if I can't put it back?
The best storage solution is cold whole milk, which helps preserve the delicate cells on the root surface. You can also place the tooth between the cheek and gum in an adult. Never store the tooth in plain water for extended periods, wrap it in tissue, or allow it to dry out.
Should I clean a knocked-out tooth before reimplanting it?
Only if the tooth is visibly dirty — in that case, rinse it gently under clean water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub, rub, or use any cleaning products. The ligament cells on the root surface are fragile and must be preserved for successful reimplantation.
Does a reimplanted tooth need further dental treatment?
Yes. After emergency reimplantation, follow-up care is almost always needed. This typically includes splinting, antibiotics to prevent infection, and often root canal treatment within one to two weeks. Your dentist in Calgary NW will monitor healing with X-rays over the following months.
What if the knocked-out tooth cannot be saved?
If the tooth cannot be reimplanted or does not survive, your dentist can discuss tooth replacement options. Dental implants are generally considered the most effective long-term replacement, as they replicate the look and function of a natural tooth. A dental bridge is another option depending on your situation.
What should I do if a child's baby tooth gets knocked out?
Baby teeth (primary teeth) are generally not reimplanted, as doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. However, you should still contact your dentist promptly so the injury can be assessed and monitored properly.
How can I prevent a tooth from being knocked out?
The most effective prevention is wearing a custom-fitted sports mouthguard during contact sports and physical activities. Wearing a seatbelt, childproofing the home, and avoiding using teeth as tools also significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma.