A knocked-out adult tooth is a true dental emergency. The first 30 to 60 minutes matter most — acting fast gives the tooth the best chance to be saved.
Step 1: Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown
Hold it by the white part you chew with (the crown). Don’t touch the root. The root has delicate cells that help the tooth reattach.
Step 2: Rinse it gently — don’t scrub
If it’s dirty, rinse it for a few seconds with milk or clean water. Don’t scrub it, don’t use soap, and don’t wrap it in a tissue or cloth.
Step 3: Try to put it back in the socket
If the person is an adult and alert, gently push the tooth back into its socket, facing the right way. Bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
Step 4: If it won’t go back, keep it wet
Put the tooth in a small container of milk, or keep it in the mouth between the cheek and gum (only if the person won’t swallow it). Don’t let it dry out and don’t store it in plain tap water for long.
Step 5: Control bleeding and swelling
Press a clean gauze or cloth on the area for 10–15 minutes. Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek.
Step 6: Get to a dentist right away
Call a dentist immediately and say a tooth was knocked out. Bring the tooth with you.
Go to the ER instead if there is a head injury, loss of consciousness, a possible broken jaw, or bleeding that won’t stop.
What about baby teeth?
Don’t put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. It can damage the adult tooth growing underneath. Keep it, and call the dentist so they can check the area.
What happens at the dentist
The dentist will clean the area, place the tooth back and splint it to the teeth next to it for a few weeks. The tooth may need a root canal later. If the tooth can’t be saved, options include a dental implant or a bridge.
Emergency dentist in Hialeah
Enjoy Dental sees emergencies Monday through Saturday, including Friday evenings until 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays until 3 p.m. Call (305) 871-9111 right away. More on our emergency dentist page.
This guide is general information. If the injury is severe, call 911.