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

Dr. Kirti Cophra at Smile Design Studio in Philadelphia, PA

Reviewed By Dr. Kirti Chopra, DDS, FAGD 


October 2026 • 6 min Read

Reviewed By Dr. Kirti Chopra, DDS, FAGD | 
October 2026 • 6 min Read

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If a tooth has just been knocked out, every minute matters. A permanent tooth has the best chance of surviving if it goes back in right away, at the scene (ideally within about 15 minutes), and if its root never dries out. 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’s torn from the ligament that holds it in place. The living cells on its root are what let it reattach, and they start dying quickly once the root dries out.

But here’s the good news: If you put the tooth back right away, or keep it moist until a dentist can, it has a real chance of being saved. 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 a poor storage choice because it damages root cells, but it’s better than letting the tooth dry out. 
  • If you can’t reinsert the tooth yourself, milk is the best common storage liquid, and saliva works too. 
Diagram explaining how to handle a knocked-out tooth, highlighting holding the crown and avoiding the root

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.
  • If it’s an adult tooth, 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. Never put a baby tooth back in; if you’re not sure which kind it is, keep it in milk.
    • Gently push the tooth into place with your fingers or hold it above the socket and have the person close their mouth slowly. Don’t force it.
    • Have the person bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to keep it stable.

Knocked-out teeth often come from falls or blows to the head. These are the CDC’s danger signs that need emergency care right away, including the extra signs for young children. Keeping the tooth out of the person’s mouth avoids choking if they’re drowsy.

Check for a head injury first. Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away if the person passed out, vomits repeatedly, is confused, very drowsy, or acting unusually, has slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or a seizure, has one pupil larger than the other, or has a headache that keeps getting worse. In a young child, nonstop crying or refusing to eat or nurse are also danger signs. Bring the tooth in milk, not in the person’s mouth.

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:

  1. Milk: The best common option. Use water ONLY if nothing else is available; it damages root cells, but it’s still better than letting the tooth dry out.
  2. The person’s saliva: Have them spit into a clean container
  3. Inside the cheek: Only for an older child or adult who is fully alert (risk of swallowing for young kids)
  4. 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. If you aren’t sure whether it’s a baby tooth, keep it in milk and get to a dentist right away. 

Why Time Matters So Much

A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of survival when it’s put back in right away, at the scene (within about 15 minutes). If the tooth is left dry, most of the living cells on its root die within about 30 minutes. Keeping it moist in milk or saliva protects those cells for longer, but every minute still counts.

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

Step-by-Step: What to Bring to the Dentist

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

  • Tooth stored in milk, saliva, or a preservation kit.
  • Gauze or cloth to press on the area and control bleeding.
  • Patient’s ID and insurance card.
  • Driver (if the patient is a minor, hit their head, or is 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:

  1. Cleaning and Replanting the Tooth: If you couldn’t reinsert it, the dentist will. If you did, the dentist will check that it’s in the right position.
  2. Splinting the Tooth: A flexible splint, such as a thin wire bonded to the tooth and its neighbors, stays on for about 2 weeks. If the bone around the tooth is also broken, a stiffer splint stays on for about 4 weeks.
  3. Follow-Up Care: Expect checkups at about 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, then yearly for at least 5 years (children whose roots are still growing also get a 2-month check). The dentist will check for:
    • Infection
    • Nerve damage
    • Root canal treatment: An adult tooth with a fully formed root usually needs one, started within 2 weeks of replanting. In children whose roots are still growing, the dentist may wait to see whether the nerve heals.
    • Root resorption (the body gradually breaking down the root), which can appear months or years later
  4. Antibiotics and Tetanus: The dentist will usually prescribe antibiotics and may refer you to a doctor about a tetanus booster. 
  5. Instructions for Home Care: For about 2 weeks, eat soft foods, brush gently with a soft toothbrush after meals, and use any mouth rinse your dentist prescribes. Avoid contact sports until your dentist says it’s OK. 

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 happened [how many] minutes ago, and the tooth was out of liquid for about [how many] minutes. I have the tooth, and it’s stored safely in milk. Can you see me immediately for replantation?”

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

  • Signs of a head injury? Call 911 first.
  • Handle the tooth only by the crown.
  • Rinse gently—don’t scrub.
  • Reinsert the tooth if possible (adult teeth only).
  • If not, store in milk or saliva (water only as a last resort).
  • Get to a dentist right away, ideally within 30 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 aquí or call (888) 597-3896 to connect with a dentist who can treat dental trauma immediately.

Dr. Kirti Cophra at Smile Design Studio in Philadelphia, PA

Acerca de Dr. Kirti Chopra, DDS, FAGD

Dr. Kirti Chopra is the founder and lead dentist at Smile Design Studio by KC in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, where she is known for her conservative, patient-first approach. She takes the time to listen to each patient’s concerns, explains treatment options clearly, and involves patients in every decision, so their care feels personalized and free from judgment. A graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry, she finished at the top of her class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society.

She has completed more than 900 hours of continuing education in cosmetic, restorative and comprehensive dentistry, including Invisalign, full-mouth rehabilitation, Bioclear restorations and digital smile design. She also graduated with honors from the prestigious Kois Center. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, has passed the AACD Accreditation written exam, and is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Pennsylvania Dental Association.


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