What to Do If You Lose a Tooth?

Losing a tooth—whether from an accident, injury, or dental issue—can be a shocking experience. But the most important thing is to stay calm and know what to do in those first few minutes, as this can determine whether the tooth can be saved.

At Dental Artistry, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if a tooth gets knocked out and how to get the urgent care you need.

🦷 Is It a Baby Tooth or a Permanent Tooth?

• If it’s a baby tooth (in children): it should not be reimplanted. Still, it’s important to see a pediatric dentist to ensure no damage to surrounding tissues or the underlying permanent tooth.

• If it’s a permanent tooth (in teens or adults): it can be reimplanted, but timing is everything.

⏱️ What to Do If You Lose a Permanent Tooth

1. Pick it up by the crown (not the root)
   Hold the tooth by the white, chewing surface.

2. Rinse it gently if it’s dirty
   Use clean water or saline solution. Do not scrub or use soap.

3. Try to place it back in the socket
   If you feel comfortable, carefully reinsert the tooth and bite down gently on a soft cloth or gauze.

4. If you can’t reinsert it, store it in milk or saline
   You can also keep it inside your mouth, between your cheek and gums. Never let it dry out.

5. See a dentist immediately (within 30–60 minutes)
   The sooner you get care, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

• Don’t clean the tooth with a toothbrush or scrape it

• Don’t use alcohol, toothpaste, or disinfectants

• Don’t wrap it in dry tissues or napkins

At Dental Artistry, We’re Ready for Dental Emergencies

We know that every minute counts. Our team is trained to handle dental trauma and offer the best possible solution to save your tooth—and your smile.

Lost a tooth? Don’t wait!
Call Dental Artistry now for immediate care.