What to do if a tooth gets knocked out

First steps for an adult tooth

A permanent tooth that has been knocked out can sometimes be saved. The cells on the root surface start to dry out and die within minutes outside the mouth, so speed and moisture are what count.

• Stay calm and find the tooth
• Hold it by the crown, the white part you normally see; don't touch the root
• If it's dirty, rinse it for a few seconds in milk, saline or cold water; don't scrub, use soap or wrap it in tissue
• Try to place it back in the socket facing the right way, then bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it
• If you can't put it back, keep it moist in a small container of milk, or in saline
• Call a dentist straight away

When a baby tooth is knocked out

Don't put a baby tooth back in. Pushing it into the socket can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Have your child bite on a clean, damp cloth to control bleeding, and call your dentist to have the area checked.

If you aren't sure whether the tooth is a baby tooth or an adult tooth, bring it with you in milk and let the dentist decide.

What the dentist will do

If the tooth was put back or brought in quickly, the dentist will check its position and usually hold it in place with a thin, flexible splint bonded to the neighbouring teeth for a short time. X-rays help check the root and the bone around it.

A replanted adult tooth often needs a root canal in the weeks that follow, because the nerve inside rarely survives the injury. Follow-up visits watch for healing and any changes in colour or comfort.

If the tooth can't be saved, there are ways to replace it later, such as an implant, a bridge or a partial denture.

When to go to the hospital instead

Go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 if there is a head injury, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding that won't stop, a possible broken jaw, or any trouble breathing or swallowing. Dental treatment can wait until those are checked.

If the person is stable, keep the tooth moist and bring it with you. Hospital staff can advise on next steps, and a dentist can see the tooth once the urgent medical issues are handled.

Preventing it from happening

Many knocked-out teeth happen during sports, falls and play. A properly fitted mouthguard lowers the risk in contact sports and activities like skateboarding. At home, padding sharp table corners helps protect toddlers who are learning to walk.

Children with upper front teeth that stick out are more likely to injure them in a fall. If you notice this, mention it at your child's next checkup. Keeping a small container and your dentist's phone number in your sports bag or first aid kit means you're ready if an accident happens.

Related services

More patient guides

• Canadian Dental Care Plan: who qualifies and how it works
• Your child's first dental visit: what to expect
• Laser treatment for cold sores: your questions answered
• Feeling anxious about the dentist? Tips for a calmer visit

Trusted health information

• Caring for your teeth and mouth (Government of Canada)
• Taking care of your child's teeth (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)