My Tooth Got Knocked Out, What Should I Do?

The Pop You Never Forget

Marisol did not expect a Tuesday night pickup basketball game to turn into instant panic. One bad bounce, one accidental elbow, and she felt it, that sharp pop that is somehow louder than sound. She blinked, tasted pennies, then saw it, a tooth sitting where it absolutely should not be.

Her thoughts sprinted. “Is this forever?” Then, the question everyone is afraid to ask, “Do I put it back?” If you are there right now, shaking, embarrassed, trying to act “fine,” I want you to hear this clearly. A knocked out permanent tooth is a real dental emergency, and what you do next can change the ending.

The First Two Minutes Matter Most

Marisol’s friend kept talking, but her brain was buffering. She crouched, found the tooth near the baseline, and almost grabbed it like a coin. Then she remembered something she once heard and it saved her, don’t touch the root.

Here is your non-negotiable rule. Pick up the tooth by the crown only, the part you normally see when you smile. The root is covered with fragile living cells that help it reattach. Treat the root like wet tissue paper, not a tool handle.

If the tooth is dirty, do a quick gentle rinse with clean water or saline, then stop. Do not scrub it, do not use soap, and do not wipe it with a towel.

The Storage Choice That Saves Teeth

Marisol stared at the empty space in her smile and felt her stomach drop. The gap looked dramatic, even if it was not. Fear makes everything look bigger.

If this is a permanent tooth and you can do it safely, gently place it back into the socket right away. Line it up the correct direction and press lightly. Then bite softly on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.

If you cannot reinsert it, keep it wet, and choose the best storage option you have:

• Cold milk is excellent.
• Saline is great if you have it.
• Saliva in your cheek can work in a pinch, but be careful not to swallow it.
• Never store it dry, like in a napkin, pocket, or tissue.

Marisol chose milk because reinserting it felt like too much. That is normal, and it is still a smart move compared to letting it dry out.

How Fast Should You Get Seen?

Think of your tooth like a plant that got pulled out by the roots. The longer it dries out, the harder it is to replant. Many dentists aim for the best chance within 30 to 60 minutes, especially if the tooth was dry, but even later it can still be worth an urgent evaluation.

This is exactly the kind of situation our team sees. If you are dealing with dental trauma, start with our Emergency Dentistry page and call (954) 378-8776 during business hours, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You do not need perfect words, just say, “My tooth got knocked out.”