Losing a permanent tooth can be a shocking and painful experience, but quick action can make all the difference in saving it.
Whether it’s from an accident, sports injury, or a fall, knowing the right steps to take immediately after a tooth is knocked out can greatly increase the chances of successfully resolving the problem.
It might be an immediate emergency that needs to be addressed right away (AKA, head to your dentist now!). However, there is also a chance it can wait until the next day.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps for saving a permanent tooth that gets knocked out. We also explain how to tell the difference between a damaged tooth and a missing tooth.
Time is of the essence — so let’s first figure out whether you have a chipped tooth or one that is completely knocked out.
Chipped Tooth or Avulsed Tooth?
An avulsed tooth and a chipped tooth are two very different types of dental injuries, each requiring distinct care and treatment. Both will come with a great deal of tooth pain, but there is a big difference.
An avulsed tooth refers to a tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket, often due to trauma like an accident or sports injury. This is a dental emergency, and immediate action is crucial to have the best chance of re-implanting the tooth successfully.
So your very first action: place the tooth in some milk or saline solution (like you might use for contact lenses). Or, wrap it in a clean damp cloth. Try to keep the tooth moist but not sitting in water. You can even place it between your cheek and gums while heading to the dentist.
On the other hand, a chipped tooth (or broken tooth) occurs when a part of the tooth, usually the enamel, is fractured but the tooth remains in place.
While still painful and requiring emergency dental care, a chipped tooth is generally not as urgent as an avulsed tooth.
The key difference lies in the severity: an avulsed tooth requires urgent reattachment, while a chipped tooth is more about cosmetic repair and managing discomfort.
But any dental trauma should be examined by a professional.
Dental Trauma = Dental Emergency
Dental trauma is a type of dental emergency because it often involves significant damage to the teeth, gums, or underlying bone that requires prompt professional intervention.
A knocked-out, fractured, or displaced tooth can cause severe pain, bleeding, and swelling. Without immediate care, the chances of saving the tooth or preventing long-term damage decrease rapidly.
Whatever the cause, dental trauma can result in a range of complications, from infections to misalignment, making swift treatment essential.
In some cases, the trauma might affect not just the tooth itself but also the surrounding structures, such as the gums, nerves, jawbone, and surrounding teeth.
For these reasons, any incident of dental trauma should be treated as a dental emergency requiring prompt dental care. A permanent tooth knocked out is an emergency. But even if you can’t get the tooth reattached, you can get a dental implant.
Ignoring or delaying treatment for dental trauma can lead to permanent damage or even tooth loss. The first 30 minutes are crucial. So don’t delay treatment, give Dental ER a call. 816-360-9500
“Okay. But can’t I wait until the next day?”
If it’s a chipped or damaged tooth, probably.
But it’s crucial to understand that if a permanent tooth is knocked out, waiting until the next day to seek treatment is not an option (even if it’s on the weekend).
Unlike a minor injury, a knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. The best chance of saving the tooth lies in re-implanting it within the first 30 to 60 minutes after the incident.
After that window, the likelihood of successful reattachment significantly drops, as the tooth root begins to lose its viability and the surrounding tissues start to deteriorate.
Delaying dental treatment can also lead to complications such as infections or misalignment, which may require more extensive and costly dental procedures.
Even if you cannot get to a dentist right away, taking quick action—like placing the tooth in milk or saline—can help preserve its health until professional care is available.
Don’t wait: every minute counts when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth.
What should you do if a child comes to you with a knocked out permanent tooth?
If it’s a permanent tooth, you should follow the above advice. Keep the tooth moist, and head to your dentist or emergency room.
And if it’s a baby tooth?
Of course, baby teeth are going to fall out on their own, as they make way for permanent teeth.
But because of the potential medical problems that can occur when a tooth — even a baby tooth — is knocked out due to trauma, you should still consider having your pediatric dentist take a look.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts On Getting a Permanent Tooth Knocked Out
If you’ve had a permanent tooth knocked out, quick action is essential to maximize the chances of saving it.
The first 30 to 60 minutes are critical, so try to reinsert the tooth or store it in milk or saline until you can see a dentist. Delaying treatment can lead to complications and reduce the likelihood of successful reimplantation.
Even if you can’t get immediate professional care, acting fast and staying calm can make a significant difference. Remember, dental trauma is an emergency—seek help as soon as possible to protect your smile and overall oral health.
If you’re in the Kansas City area, give Dental ER a call at 816-360-9500.
FAQs Related To Permanent Tooth Knocked Out
Can a child’s permanent tooth be saved if they are knocked out?
If it’s their permanent tooth, your dentist can probably save it if you seek immediate dental care.
How long can a knocked out tooth survive?
It varies depending on how well you maintain the tooth. About 60 minutes is the window of opportunity.
Can a tooth fall out and leave the root?
It’s possible some of the root will remain in your gum or jaw, which is why you will need to visit your dentist immediately.
