If an adult tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse it for a few seconds with milk or saline if it's dirty and, if you can, put it back in its socket and bite on clean gauze. If you can't, put it in a glass of milk and call an emergency dentist immediately: the chances of saving the tooth are best within 30-60 minutes. Baby teeth should not be put back.
Knocked-out adult tooth: step by step
- 1Find the tooth and hold it only by the crown, the white part. Don't touch the root.
- 2If it's dirty, rinse it for a few seconds with milk, saline or water. Don't scrub or wipe it.
- 3If you can, gently put it back in its socket and bite on clean gauze or a tissue.
- 4If you can't, put it in a glass of fresh milk or saline. Don't wrap it in a dry tissue.
- 5Call the emergency number and head to the clinic straight away.
Broken or chipped tooth
Keep the broken piece in milk or water, sometimes it can be bonded back. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and use a cold compress for swelling. If you can see a pink or red dot in the broken tooth or the pain is severe, the nerve is exposed and you need emergency care. A small chip without pain can wait until the next working day.
If it's a child
A knocked-out baby tooth is not put back, because this can damage the adult tooth underneath. Stop the bleeding with gauze and bring the child in so we can check for other injuries. A knocked-out adult tooth in a child (usually after age 6-7) is put back in the same way as for an adult.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I have to save a knocked-out tooth?
Results are best when the tooth is back in its socket within 30-60 minutes. Stored in milk, a tooth still has a chance after that, so don't give up, call immediately.
Can I keep the tooth in my mouth?
An adult can keep the tooth in the mouth, between the cheek and teeth, if there's no milk. Don't do this with children because of the risk of swallowing it.
Can a broken tooth be repaired?
In most cases yes, with a filling, by bonding the piece back or with a crown. If the nerve is affected, a root canal may be needed.
Related services
- Emergency Broken Tooth RepairA chipped corner, a broken front tooth or a crack: we restore the shape and protect the nerve, often the same day.
- Emergency Dental CareRound-the-clock help for severe pain, swelling, injuries or a broken tooth, including nights, weekends and public holidays.
- Children's DentistryCheck-ups and treatment for baby and permanent teeth, with patience, play and plenty of explanation.
This advice is general information and doesn't replace an examination. For severe pain, swelling or an injury, call our emergency number.