What to Do If a Tooth Falls Out?
Losing a tooth suddenly—whether from an accident, fall, or blow—can be a scary experience. The most important thing is to stay calm and act quickly, because in many cases, the tooth can be successfully reimplanted if handled properly.
At Dental Artistry, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if a permanent tooth gets knocked out and when to seek emergency dental care.
🦷 What Kind of Tooth Is It?
First, it’s important to identify:
If it’s a baby tooth (in children): these are usually not reimplanted, but it’s still important to visit a pediatric dentist to make sure the permanent tooth underneath isn’t affected.
If it’s a permanent tooth (in teens or adults): this is a true dental emergency, and reimplantation is often possible if treated within the first hour.
⏱️ What to Do Immediately if a Permanent Tooth Falls Out
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root.
If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with saline or milk. Do not scrub or use soap or alcohol.
If possible, try to place it back in its socket carefully. If you can’t,
Store it in milk, saline solution, or inside your mouth (between your cheek and gums).
Go to the dentist immediately. The chances of saving the tooth are highest within the first 30 to 60 minutes.
❌ What NOT to Do:
Don’t clean the tooth with a brush or chemicals.
Don’t let the tooth dry out.
Don’t wrap it in tissue or paper.
Don’t store it in plain water for long periods (it can damage the root cells).
👩⚕️ What Happens Next?
At the clinic, the dentist will evaluate the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues and decide whether reimplantation is possible. Even if the tooth cannot be saved, there are effective options like implants or prosthetics to restore both function and aesthetics.
✅ In Summary:
Act fast
Keep the tooth moist and protected
Visit the dentist as soon as possible
Don’t panic—Dental Artistry is here to help
Had an accident and lost a tooth?
Call us right away. At Dental Artistry, we offer emergency care to help you protect your oral health and restore your smile as quickly as possible.
