What Is a Knocked-Out Tooth?
A knocked-out tooth (also called an avulsed tooth) is a permanent tooth that has been completely displaced from its socket due to trauma. This is one of the most urgent dental emergenciesbecause the tooth's survival depends on how quickly and properly it is handled and reimplanted.
At Orion Dental, our Scarborough and Milton offices prioritize knocked-out tooth cases. If you or someone you know has had a tooth knocked out, call us immediately while following the steps below.
What Should You Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out?
Acting quickly and correctly in the first minutes after a tooth is knocked out can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth. Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth: Locate the tooth as quickly as possible. Pick it up by the crown (the white part that is normally visible in the mouth). Never touch the root
- Rinse gently if needed: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly under running water for no more than ten seconds. Do not scrub, do not use soap or chemicals, and do not wrap it in tissue or cloth
- Try to reimplant it: If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket. Push it in slowly with your fingers or by biting down gently on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth. Hold it in place
- If you cannot reimplant it: Place the tooth in a small container of cold milk. If milk is not available, keep the tooth between your cheek and lower gum (for adults only) or in a container of saliva. Do not store it in water
- Control bleeding: Place a piece of gauze or clean cloth over the empty socket and bite down gently to apply pressure
- Get to a dentist within thirty minutes: Call our office immediately. The sooner you receive professional treatment, the better the outcome
Why Does Time Matter So Much?
The root of a tooth is covered in cells called periodontal ligament cells. These cells begin to die within minutes of being outside the mouth, especially if the tooth dries out. Successful reimplantation depends on keeping these cells alive.
- Within 5 minutes: The best chance of successful reimplantation
- Within 30 minutes: Good chance of saving the tooth if it has been kept moist
- 30 to 60 minutes: Reimplantation may still be attempted, but the success rate decreases
- Beyond 60 minutes: The likelihood of successful reimplantation is significantly reduced, though it may still be attempted
Keeping the tooth in milk, saline solution, or saliva helps preserve the root cells. Water is not recommended because its composition can damage these delicate cells.
How Is a Knocked-Out Tooth Treated?
When you arrive at Orion Dental with a knocked-out tooth, our team will act quickly to give the tooth the best chance of survival.
Reimplantation
The dentist will carefully clean the tooth and socket, reposition the tooth, and ensure it is properly aligned. Digital X-rays may be taken to check for fractures in the tooth root or surrounding bone.
Splinting
A flexible splint (a thin wire or composite material) is bonded to the reimplanted tooth and the adjacent teeth to hold everything stable while healing occurs. The splint is typically worn for one to two weeks.
Root Canal Treatment
In most cases, root canal treatment is needed within one to two weeks after reimplantation. This is because the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth are damaged when the tooth is knocked out. Root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue and seals the tooth to prevent infection.
Follow-Up Care
Several follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing, remove the splint, and check that the tooth is reattaching to the bone. The long-term success of a reimplanted tooth depends on the extent of the original injury, how the tooth was handled, and how quickly treatment was received.
What If the Tooth Cannot Be Saved?
If reimplantation is not possible or the tooth does not survive, there are several options for replacing the missing tooth:
- Dental implant: A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone that supports a custom-made crown. Implants are a long-lasting option that functions and looks like a natural tooth
- Fixed bridge: A dental bridge uses the adjacent teeth to support a replacement tooth. This is a non-surgical option for replacing a missing tooth
- Removable partial denture: A removable partial denture can replace one or more missing teeth and can be taken in and out for cleaning
What Causes a Tooth to Be Knocked Out?
Understanding the common causes can help you take preventive steps:
- Sports injuries: Contact sports such as hockey, basketball, soccer, and martial arts are among the most common causes. Custom-fitted mouthguards are made from an impression of your own teeth, so they fit more closely than store-bought options
- Falls: Slips and falls — particularly in children and older adults — can result in dental trauma
- Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, and other forms of physical trauma
- Physical altercations: Blows to the face during fights or assaults
How Can You Prevent a Knocked-Out Tooth?
While not all accidents are avoidable, these measures can reduce the risk of dental trauma:
- Wear a properly fitted mouthguard during all contact sports and high-risk recreational activities
- Wear a seatbelt in vehicles and use appropriate child safety seats
- Use handrails on stairs and be cautious in wet or slippery conditions
- Childproof your home to reduce fall risks for young children
- Attend regular dental checkups so your teeth and supporting structures can be monitored
Knocked-Out Tooth Emergency at Orion Dental
If a tooth has been knocked out, every minute counts. Call our Scarborough office at 416-291-0306 or our Milton office at 905-636-9770 immediately. You can also request an appointment online, but for a knocked-out tooth, calling is the fastest way to get help.