What to Do if Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out

A knocked out tooth is a true dental emergency. Time is critical, and taking the right steps could save the tooth. 

Prathima Rasamsetty, DDS, and her team at Preva Dental in San Antonio, Texas, know how to protect your smile and oral health. Take the following steps immediately if you or your child has a knocked out tooth. 

What to do if your tooth gets knocked out

Over 5 million people suffer a knocked out tooth every year in the United States. Emergency dental care professionals like Dr. Rasamsetty are well-trained in what to do when this happens. Knowledgeable action improves your chances of saving the tooth. Here’s what she recommends: 

Step 1: Find and clean the tooth

If you can find the knocked-out tooth, pick it up carefully by the crown (chewing surface); don't touch the tooth’s root. Dip the tooth in clean water. Don't hold it under running water, which can damage the root, and don’t use soap or dry off the tooth after cleaning it. 

If your gums are bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm water.

Step 2: Reinsert the tooth 

Hold the tooth by the chewing surface and gently reinsert it into the empty tooth socket. Don't force it. If it fits snugly, place gauze over it and bite down softly to hold it in place. Keep it there until you see Dr. Rasamsetty. If you can’t reinsert the tooth for any reason, don't force it. 

Step 3: Preserve the tooth

If you can’t reinsert the tooth, preserve it carefully until you can reach our office. The best place to keep a tooth is in your mouth, so place the tooth inside your mouth next to your jaw to keep it moist. If you can’t do this, place it in a glass of milk. Don’t keep it in water. 

Step 4: Get to an emergency dentist

The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances of saving your tooth and smile. While an emergency room can provide help in a pinch, Dr. Rasamsetty at Preva Dental in San Antonio can help you with specialized care to save your tooth. 

Step 5: Explore tooth replacement options 

If your tooth can’t be reinserted and saved, Preva Dental has tooth replacement options. Ask Dr. Rasamsetty to share more about dental implants to restore your smile. Implants are the gold standard in replacing missing teeth and are the next best thing to your natural teeth. 

San Antonio emergency dental care 

If your tooth is knocked out or you have other dental emergencies, call Preva Dental at  210-791-7826 and ask a team member for further instructions. When your dental care needs aren’t an emergency, book your next appointment online.