Knocked-Out Tooth — Act Within 30 Minutes
The faster you get here, the better the chance to save the tooth. Walk in or book online on your way in.
First-aid steps (in order)
- Pick the tooth up by the crown — never touch or scrub the root.
- Rinse briefly with milk or saline if dirty. Plain water only as a last resort.
- Try to reinsert it in the socket. Bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If you can’t reinsert, store the tooth in cold milk or in your mouth between cheek and gum.
- Cold compress on the outside of the lip/cheek to control swelling.
- Book an appointment online — we’ll prepare a treatment room for your arrival.
What NOT to do
- Do not scrub the tooth or use soap, alcohol or peroxide.
- Do not let the tooth dry out — dry roots can’t be re-implanted.
- Do not wrap it in tissue or paper towel.
- Do not hold it by the root.
How we treat a knocked-out tooth
On arrival we’ll examine the socket, take a digital X-ray, gently clean the tooth, and re-implant it. The tooth is then splinted to neighbouring teeth for 1–2 weeks. A root canal is usually completed within 7–14 days to prevent the dead nerve from causing infection.
Baby teeth
Baby (primary) teeth are generally not re-implanted because the procedure can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Still bring your child in immediately to check the socket and rule out other injuries.
What it costs
Emergency re-implantation visit (exam, X-ray, splinting): $300–$700 before insurance. Follow-up root canal and final crown are quoted separately. We accept most PPO plans.
Knocked-out tooth FAQs
How long do I have?
The first 30–60 minutes are critical. Get to a dentist as fast as possible while keeping the tooth moist in milk or saliva.
Should I rinse the tooth?
Briefly and gently — with milk or saline if possible. Don’t scrub, use soap, or dry it.
Can a baby tooth be re-implanted?
Generally no — it can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Still bring your child in immediately to check the socket.
What’s the best storage medium?
In order: HBSS, cold milk, saliva (between cheek and gum), saline. Plain water is the worst option.