If a crash knocks out an adult tooth, act fast
An emergency dentist on saving the tooth and the care that follows
A crash can knock a permanent tooth all the way out. Treat this as a dental emergency. The cells on the root can be damaged as the tooth dries out. [1]
The safest first step depends on the person’s other injuries and whether they can cooperate. Serious bleeding, trouble breathing or a possible head or neck injury comes first. Once the person is safe, get urgent dental help. [1]
Hold an adult tooth by the crown
Pick up the tooth by the white part you chew with. Don’t touch the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk, saline or saliva. Do not scrub it. [1]
If the person is alert and the tooth fits easily back into the right socket, it can stay there. They can hold it in place by gently biting on a clean cloth. If that isn’t safe or possible, put the tooth in milk or the person’s saliva. Bring it to the emergency dentist. [1]
Don’t let the tooth dry out. Never put a baby tooth back in. [1]
Keep your dental visits after the first repair
The dentist may move the tooth back into position and splint it to hold it steady. An X ray can check the tooth and the bone around it. More treatment may be needed. A root canal is often part of it for a fully developed adult tooth. [1]
Ask when the splint will be checked. Find out what you can eat and how to brush. A tooth that feels firm again still needs follow up visits. [1]
Problems to watch for at home
Call the dentist soon if the tooth moves, pain or swelling gets worse or your bite changes. Get urgent medical care for a fever with facial swelling that spreads, trouble swallowing or trouble breathing. If the missing tooth can’t be found and the person is coughing or having breathing symptoms, tell the medical team. [1]
Questions for your dentist
- Is the tooth in the right position, and is it splinted properly?
- Will it need a root canal or more imaging?
- When are my next checkups, even if the tooth looks normal?
Save the dentist's number now
Before you leave, save the emergency dentist’s number. Write down every follow up date that’s been planned. [1]
Sources and further reading
This is general education from an emergency dentistry point of view. Treat serious injuries first, then get emergency dental advice for a knocked out permanent tooth. Never put a baby tooth back in its socket.
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