Knocked Out Tooth Emergency
Know what to do if a tooth is knocked out. Learn about the reimplantation timeline and emergency tips from Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Jan 20, 2026
Knocked Out Tooth Emergency: Vital Steps to Save Your Smile
A dental avulsion, or a knocked out tooth, is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies in dentistry. Whether it occurs during a sporting event at a Palm Beach Gardens park or due to an accidental fall at home, the actions you take in the first 30 to 60 minutes determine whether the tooth can be successfully saved. At Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team, led by Dr. Sujit Shakya, is prepared to provide immediate intervention for an avulsed tooth. Understanding the correct handling and transport methods can mean the difference between a simple reimplantation and the need for a permanent dental implant.
Immediate First Aid: How to Save a Knocked Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, the goal is to keep the delicate periodontal ligament cells on the root alive. These cells are what allow the tooth to reattach to the jawbone.
Handle with Care: Always pick up the tooth by the "crown" (the white chewing surface). Never touch the root. The fibers on the root are extremely fragile; touching, scrubbing, or scraping them will kill the cells needed for successful healing.
Clean Gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly under cold water or milk. Do not use soap, chemicals, or a brush.
Attempt Reinsertion: If possible, gently push the tooth back into its socket and hold it there by biting down on a clean piece of gauze. If it doesn't slide in easily, do not force it.
Storage and the Reimplantation Timeline
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, you must keep it moist during transit. A dry tooth begins to die within minutes.
Milk Storage for Knocked Out Teeth: Cold milk is the best medium for transport because its pH and protein balance are compatible with tooth cells. If milk is unavailable, you can store the tooth in a container of your own saliva. Do not store the tooth in plain tap water, as it can cause the root cells to swell and burst.
The Golden Hour: The reimplantation timeline is critical. Teeth replaced within 30 to 60 minutes have the highest success rate. After two hours, the chance of the tooth "taking" drops significantly, though success is still possible with professional help.
Professional Emergency Dentist Tips
When you arrive at our Palm Beach Gardens office, we will prioritize your care. Dr. Sujit Shakya will carefully flush the socket and reposition the tooth. We then use a localized "splint"—a thin wire or composite material—to bond the injured tooth to its healthy neighbors for stability. This splint usually stays in place for a few weeks while the ligament heals. We will also monitor the tooth for any signs of infection or the need for a root canal, as the trauma often severs the blood supply to the inner pulp.
Trust Your Emergency Care to Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry
Accidents happen, but you don't have to face a dental emergency alone. At Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency appointments to provide the rapid care required to save your natural teeth. If you or a loved one has experienced an oral injury, call us immediately. Our Palm Beach Gardens team is here to guide you through every step of the knocked out tooth what to do protocol, ensuring the best possible outcome for your smile.
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