How to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

A single minor accident can ruin your beautiful smile. Whether it's a fall while playing your favorite sport, a tumble down the stairs, or a simple accidental collision, having a tooth completely knocked out of its socket, a condition also called tooth avulsion, is a frightening and serious dental emergency.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we understand that it's normal to panic. However, what you do immediately after the injury can greatly impact whether the tooth can be successfully re-implanted and saved.

This here is an in-depth guide with the exact knowledge needed to save a knocked-out tooth after an accident. We explain why acting fast and being calm can make a big difference.

Why acting fast is the key

When a tooth is knocked out, you have about 30 to 60 minutes, give or take, to save it. The most important thing is to protect the periodontal ligament (PDL), a cluster of microscopic fibers that attach the tooth to the bone. The living cells in the PDL are crucial for the tooth to reattach to the bone socket.

If these cells dry out or start dying, which typically happens as soon as they are exposed to the air, fixing the tooth back can be difficult. The ideal timeframe for successful re-implantation of a knocked-out tooth is within 30 minutes of the injury. Success rates drop greatly after 60 minutes.

Immediately after a tooth accident, the primary goal is to save the PDL cells by keeping them moist until you can the nearest emergency dentist.

Step-by-Step Protocol: How to save your knocked-out tooth

Here’s the simple 5-step process to save your tooth: Retrieve, Rinse, Reinsert, Retain, and Race.

Step 1: Retrieve the Tooth (Handle with Care)

Find and collect the tooth.

Handle it by the crown (upper white part) only. Never touch the root. Do not scrape or wipe the root.

Check if you have more than one tooth avulsed. Collect all of them.

Step 2: Rinse the Tooth (Do NOT Scrub)

If the tooth has debris (dirt, grass, blood) on it, gently clean (rinse) it for no more than 10 seconds using milk or a saline solution. Do not scrub it.

Do not use a brush, soap, alcohol, mouthwash, or any other instrument to clean it. Do not dry or rub the tooth with a towel or cloth.

Step 3: Reinsert the Tooth (The Most Important Step)

Try to gently re-implant the tooth into its socket.

Ensure the front surface faces out while the chewing surface lines up with the other teeth.

Place the tooth in the empty socket. Bite down gently to hold the tooth in place. It should fit in relatively easily.

Note: Do NOT try to reinsert a primary (baby) tooth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, simply visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Step 4: Retain the Tooth (If Reinsertion Fails)

If the tooth doesn’t sit back easily, or if the injured person is nauseous or too young to cooperate, focus instead on preserving the tooth.

The best way to save a knocked-out tooth is to use a store-bought EMT Tooth Saver or Save-A-Tooth system. However, this may not be readily available.

The most common and easily accessible way to preserve the tooth is to store it in whole milk. The cells accept the fluid's osmotic pressure nicely.

Alternative options include storing the tooth in a saline solution, such as contact lens solution, or the patient’s own saliva.

As a last resort, if none of the above choices is available, use clean water.

Note: Keep the tooth moist at all times. Never wrap it in a tissue, napkin, or cotton gauze that can absorb its moisture.

Step 5: Seek Professional Care Immediately

Remember: All the above steps must be completed within 30-40 minutes of the accident. Whether the tooth is successfully re-implanted or safely preserved, you must visit your dentist immediately.

Call Lynnwood Dental Studio at (425) 778 5665 to book an emergency appointment. Explain the details properly.

If the area is bleeding, have the patient bite down firmly on clean gauze or a tea bag placed over the socket to stop bleeding.

3. What Happens at Lynnwood Dental Studio?

When you arrive, our priority is to restore and stabilize the tooth.

A. Immediate Assessment and Re-Implantation

We clean the socket gently to clear any blood clots or debris.

The tooth is gently cleaned with a sterile saline solution.

The tooth is re-implanted firmly into the socket.

B. Stabilization and Splinting

After the tooth is put back, it needs to be stabilized.

Initially, the dentist may use a flexible, non-rigid splint, such as a wire or composite material, to temporarily attach the tooth to the nearby teeth. This allows the tooth to reattach naturally over a period of one or two weeks.

C. Root Canal Therapy

If a permanent or fully developed tooth has been out of the mouth for more than 60 minutes, the dental pulp inside the tooth may not survive. This is when the dentist may recommend a root canal.

Root canal treatment is performed a few days after re-implantation, once the splint is removed. This procedure helps restore the tooth and prevent internal infection and discoloration. The restored tooth, however, will be non-vital (non-living).

Post-Treatment and Follow-Up Care

Saving the tooth is important, but so is the follow-up care for your long-lasting smile.

Do not skip doctor-prescribed antibiotics or medication, as they help prevent infection. The doctor may also recommend a tetanus shot if the injury involved dirt or contaminated surfaces.

Adhere to a soft, preferably liquid or non-chewing, diet for the first few weeks. This helps protect the healing ligaments.

Oral care is still important. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Use a doctor-prescribed mouthwash to keep the area clean.

Do not miss the follow-up appointments. The dentist will check for problems, including possible signs of root resorption or ankylosis. Early detection allows for timely treatment.

Prevention is the Best Cure

While accidents happen, it’s possible to prevent avulsion with a little extra care.

Use mouthguards while playing sports. Lynnwood Dental Studio offers custom guard fittings for maximum comfort and protection.

To prevent avulsion in children, secure furniture corners, use safety gates, and always keep an eye on your little ones.

When in Doubt, Call Us!

A knocked-out tooth can be terrifying and stressful, but it is possible to save the tooth with quick action and the right help. Remember the first 30 minutes are crucial. Handle the tooth by the crown and preserve it in a proper solution. Call Lynnwood Dental Studio immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.