What to Do When a Tooth Is Knocked Out (Immediate Steps)

Reviewed By Dr. Dennis Rollins, DDO |  

July 2025 • 6 min Read

Reviewed By Dr. Dennis Rollins, DDO |  July 2025 • 6 min Read

If a tooth has just been knocked out, every minute matters. A permanent tooth has the best chance of surviving if you act quickly, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes. This guide walks you through exactly what to do in the moment, in clear, calm steps, so you can protect the tooth and get to a dentist quickly.

A Knocked-Out Tooth Is a True Dental Emergency

When a tooth is knocked completely out of its socket (an “avulsed” tooth), it isn’t just damaged; it’s detached from the cells needed to reattach it. Those fragile root cells begin dying the moment the tooth hits the ground.

But here’s the good news: If you act within the first hour, many knocked-out teeth can be successfully saved and replanted. Your next decisions matter more than anything that happened during the accident.

Most people don’t know:

You should never hold the tooth by the root (the yellowish, tapered end).
You should never scrub or scrape it, even if it’s dirty.
Water is NOT a safe storage medium; it can destroy the root cells.
Milk or saliva is ideal if you can’t reinsert the tooth yourself.

First 60 Seconds: Do This Immediately

You may feel panicked. That’s normal. These are the steps that preserve the tooth’s life.

Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white chewing surface). Do not touch the root. That part contains living cells that a dentist needs intact.
If the tooth is dirty, rinse gently, don’t scrub. Rinse it in milk for a few seconds. Do not scrape. Do not use soap. Do not dry it.
Try to reinsert it into the socket. This is the fastest and safest way to keep the root alive. If it goes in, you’ve just bought the tooth its best chance of survival. Still get to a dentist immediately.
- Gently push the tooth into place.
- Have the person bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to keep it stable.

If You Can’t Reinsert the Tooth

Keeping the tooth moist is the next most important factor. Place the tooth in one of the following:

Milk: The best common option. Avoid water, because it damages root cells and reduces the tooth’s survival rate.
The person’s saliva: Have them spit into a clean container
Inside the cheek: Only for older children/adults (risk of swallowing for young kids)
A tooth preservation kit: Like Save-A-Tooth, if you have one

When the Patient Is a Child: Is the Tooth a Baby Tooth?

If the knocked-out tooth is a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. That said, it’s still important to call a dentist right away to assess the injury.

The “Golden Hour”: Why Time Matters So Much

A knocked-out tooth has the highest chance of survival when replanted within 30–60 minutes. After that, root cells begin to die at a rate that makes successful reattachment far less likely. Think of this as the tooth’s “golden hour”: every minute counts.

Find an emergency dentist near you now by calling (888) 597-3896 or click here to enter your zip code.

Step-by-Step: What to Do on the Way to the Dentist

The adrenaline rush makes details easy to forget. Here’s your short, simple guide of what to do:

Tooth stored in milk, saliva, or a preservation kit.
Gauze or cloth to apply pressure and so control bleeding.
Patient’s ID and insurance card.
Driver (if the patient is a minor or in too much pain to drive safely).
A container or cup (if saliva is the storage medium).

What to Expect at the Dentist

Emergency treatment for a knocked-out tooth usually includes:

Cleaning and Replanting the Tooth: If you couldn’t reinsert it, the dentist will.
Splinting the Tooth: A soft wire or resin splint holds the tooth in place for 1–2 weeks.
Follow-Up Care: Within days, the dentist may check for:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- The need for a root canal (common in adult teeth after trauma)

What If You’re Alone and Can’t Drive?

If possible, reinsert the tooth yourself, then call a ride.
If reinsertion isn’t possible, store it in milk and call a neighbor, friend, or rideshare immediately.
Do not delay treatment to arrange perfect logistics: speed matters more than anything.

How to Talk to a Dentist When You Call

Reduce the stress of explaining the situation with a simple script: “Hi, I have a knocked-out tooth. It was lost less than an hour ago. I have the tooth and it’s stored safely in milk. Can you see me immediately for reimplantation?”

If the office can’t take you, ask: “Can you refer me to a nearby dentist who handles tooth avulsions urgently?”

Your Quick “Save the Tooth” Checklist

Handle the tooth only by the crown.
Rinse gently—don’t scrub.
Reinsert the tooth if possible.
If not, store in milk or saliva (not water).
Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes.
Search for a dentist who treats avulsed teeth immediately.

Need a Dentist Right Now?

Not every dental office can handle knocked-out teeth, and time is ticking. Enter your ZIP code here or call (888) 597-3896 to connect with a dentist who can treat dental trauma immediately.