Knocked-Out Tooth

Urgent Care That May Help Save Your Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies and requires immediate attention. Acting quickly can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth. At Tilley Family Dentistry, we provide prompt emergency care for knocked-out teeth and guide patients through the critical steps needed to protect their oral health.

If a tooth has been knocked out due to an accident or injury, time is extremely important.

Why Immediate Action Matters

When a tooth is knocked out, the cells on the root surface begin to die quickly. Receiving dental care within the first 30 to 60 minutes greatly increases the likelihood that the tooth can be successfully replanted.

Immediate care helps:

Increase the chance of saving the natural tooth

Reduce the risk of infection

Protect surrounding teeth and bone

Restore function and appearance

If you or someone else has a knocked-out tooth, it is important to act right away.

What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out

Taking the right steps before arriving at the dental office can make a major difference.

If a tooth is knocked out:

Pick up the tooth by the crown only, not the root
Gently rinse it with water if dirty, do not scrub
Try to place the tooth back into the socket if possible
If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva
Contact our office immediately for emergency care

Avoid letting the tooth dry out, as this reduces the chance of successful reattachment.

Emergency Treatment for a Knocked-Out Tooth

When you arrive at our office, we will quickly evaluate the tooth and surrounding tissues to determine the best course of action.

Emergency treatment may include:

Repositioning and stabilizing the tooth

Treating damage to surrounding tissues

Managing pain and infection risk

Discussing follow-up care and monitoring

If the tooth cannot be saved, we will discuss tooth replacement options to restore your smile.

Supporting Healing and Long-Term Oral Health

After emergency treatment, follow-up care is important to monitor healing and protect the affected tooth or area. Our team provides clear instructions and ongoing support throughout recovery.

We focus on:

Your comfort and confidence remain our priority.