Knocked-Out Tooth
An adult tooth that's been knocked out can often be saved — but the first 30 minutes are critical. Handle it correctly and get to a dentist immediately.
Ready to book your appointment?
Send us your details and we'll be in touch — usually within one working day.
Every minute out of the socket counts.
Hold the tooth by the crown, never the root. If it's dirty, rinse briefly in milk or saline — not tap water, and never scrub it. If you can, push it gently back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth.
If you can't reinsert it, store it in milk (or inside your cheek) and come straight to us. Do not let it dry out. Baby teeth should never be reinserted.
Immediate steps.
The signs vary, but most people notice one or more of these:
- 01Hold the tooth by the crown only
- 02Rinse briefly in milk, never scrub
- 03Reinsert into the socket if possible
- 04Otherwise store in milk or saliva
- 05Bite on clean gauze to control bleeding
- 06Get seen within the hour
Where it comes from.
The most common culprits:
Don't wait it out.
Speak to your our practice dentist if you're experiencing any of the following — book an appointment as soon as you can:
- —Any adult tooth has been knocked completely out.
- —A tooth has been pushed out of position or loosened.
- —There's a jaw injury or you can't close together.
- —A child has facial trauma with bleeding.
In discomfort right now?
If there's a suspected jaw fracture, heavy bleeding that won't stop, or loss of consciousness, go to A&E first — dental repair can follow.
A plan, not a quick fix.
We reposition and splint replanted teeth, check for root fracture with X-rays, and plan follow-up root canal treatment where the nerve has died. If the tooth can't be saved we discuss implants and bridges.
