If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist, try to place it back in the socket, and see a dentist right away, ideally within the hour. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS, treats dental emergencies and wants patients to know the calm, correct steps that give a knocked-out tooth its best chance. Acting quickly and handling the tooth carefully makes a real difference. Learn about our care on the services page.
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root, and rinse it gently if dirty. Try to reinsert it into the socket, or keep it in milk or between your cheek and gums. Then get to a dentist as soon as possible.
“A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the few true dental emergencies where minutes count. Handle it by the crown, keep it moist, and come in fast. Staying calm and following those steps gives us the best shot at saving the tooth.”
Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS, Founder, Sola Dental Spa
A Staten Island parent called after their child’s tooth was knocked out during a game. We walked them through keeping it in milk and coming straight in. Because they acted quickly and handled the tooth by the crown, we were able to reposition and stabilize it.
What should you do first?
Stay calm and find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown, the part you normally see, and avoid touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently without scrubbing.
The root surface is delicate and holds cells that help the tooth reattach, so handling it by the crown protects those cells. Rinse only briefly with water if there is visible dirt, and do not scrub or use soap. According to MouthHealthy from the ADA, keeping the tooth moist at all times is essential.
How do you keep the tooth moist?
The best option is to gently place the tooth back in its socket. If you cannot, keep it in milk or tuck it between your cheek and gums, or use an ADA-accepted tooth preservation product.
A tooth that dries out has a lower chance of being saved, which is why moisture matters so much. If reinserting the tooth is not possible, milk is a reliable holding medium. Then get to your dentist right away, since the sooner you are seen, the better the outcome tends to be.
What happens at the dental visit?
Your dentist will examine the tooth and socket, reposition and splint the tooth if possible, and check for other injuries. Prompt care gives the tooth its best chance to reattach.
When you arrive quickly with the tooth kept moist, the dentist can often place it back and stabilize it with a small splint while the area heals. Even if the tooth cannot be saved, early evaluation helps protect the surrounding teeth and plan next steps. This is why fast, factual action matters so much in the moment.
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Hold the tooth by the crown | Touch or scrub the root |
| Keep it in milk or the socket | Let it dry out or wrap it in tissue |
| See a dentist right away | Wait to see if it heals on its own |
For other urgent situations, our guides on a crown that falls off and managing tooth sensitivity can help.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do I need to act with a knocked-out tooth?
As fast as you reasonably can. Seeing a dentist within about an hour gives a permanent tooth its best chance, so keep it moist and head in right away.
Can I put a knocked-out tooth back myself?
For a permanent tooth, gently placing it back in the socket by the crown is a good first step if you can. Do not force it, and then see a dentist promptly.
What if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth, since it can affect the developing permanent tooth. Call your Staten Island dentist for guidance right away.
Is milk really the best way to store the tooth?
Milk is a widely recommended holding medium when you cannot reinsert the tooth. It helps keep the root cells moist on the way to the dentist.
What if I cannot find the tooth?
Still see a dentist promptly. They can examine the area, rule out a tooth fragment in the lip or gum, and address any other injuries.