Few dental emergencies cause as much panic as a knocked-out tooth. One moment you’re enjoying a weekend footy match or a family barbecue, and the next, you’re holding your tooth in your hand. While the situation feels alarming, the good news is that with the right steps and urgent professional help, it is sometimes possible to save the tooth.
At Brisbane Emergency Dentist, we treat knocked-out teeth regularly, and we know that the actions taken in the first hour can make all the difference. This blog explains why teeth get knocked out, what to do immediately, and how our team can help you restore your smile.
What Is a Knocked-Out Tooth?
A knocked-out tooth, also known as dental avulsion, occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket due to trauma. Unlike a chipped or cracked tooth, avulsion means the tooth has come out entirely, including its root.
This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. The tooth’s survival largely depends on how quickly you act and how soon you can reach an emergency dentist.
Common Causes of Knocked-Out Teeth
Knocked-out teeth can happen to anyone, but some situations are more common:
- Sports injuries – contact sports such as rugby, football, or boxing.
- Falls and accidents – slipping on stairs, cycling incidents, or playground accidents in children.
- Road traffic accidents – collisions or sudden impact.
- Everyday activities – biting into hard foods or opening packaging with teeth.
Wearing a mouthguard during sport and avoiding risky habits can reduce the chances, but sometimes accidents are unavoidable.
Why Immediate Action Matters
When a tooth is knocked out, the blood vessels and nerves connected to it are severed. While these cannot be reconnected, the bone and tissue around the root may reattach if the tooth is placed back in the socket quickly.
Research shows the best chance of saving the tooth is within the first 30–60 minutes. After that, the likelihood decreases significantly. This is why knowing what to do on the spot is crucial.
Step-by-Step Guide: What To Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly
Panic is natural, but staying calm helps you think clearly. The sooner you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
2. Pick Up the Tooth Carefully
- Hold it only by the crown (the white part visible in your mouth).
- Avoid touching the root as it contains delicate cells necessary for reattachment.
3. Clean the Tooth If Needed
- If dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline.
- Do not scrub, use soap, or dry it with tissue — this can damage the root.
4. Try to Reinsert the Tooth
- If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket.
- Bite down softly on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
5. If Reimplantation Isn’t Possible
- Place the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution.
- Alternatively, hold it inside your cheek (if safe) to keep it moist.
- Never store it in water, as this damages the root surface.
6. Seek Immediate Professional Help
- Contact Brisbane Emergency Dentist straight away.
- Bring the tooth with you — even if you think it cannot be saved.
What Our Brisbane Emergency Dentists Will Do
When you arrive at our clinic, our team will:
- Assess the tooth and surrounding tissues.
- Attempt to reimplant the tooth into its socket.
- Use splinting (a small wire or composite material) to hold the tooth in place for several weeks.
- Prescribe antibiotics if needed to prevent infection.
- Provide follow-up care to monitor healing.
If the tooth cannot be saved, we will discuss replacement options such as bridges, dentures, or dental implants to restore your smile.
Knocked-Out Baby Teeth: What Parents Should Know
For children, a knocked-out baby tooth is treated differently. Unlike adult teeth, baby teeth are not reimplanted because this can harm the developing adult tooth beneath.
What to do:
- Stop any bleeding with gentle pressure.
- Comfort your child and bring them to see us as soon as possible.
- We’ll assess the injury, check for damage to surrounding teeth or gums, and provide guidance for protecting future adult teeth.
Preventing Knocked-Out Teeth
While accidents cannot always be avoided, here are some preventive measures:
- Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports.
- Avoid chewing ice, hard sweets, or non-food items like pens.
- Never use your teeth as tools to open bottles or packaging.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure teeth and gums are healthy and strong.
Why Choose Brisbane Emergency Dentist?
- 24/7 availability – We’re here day and night, including weekends and public holidays.
- Same-day treatment – Immediate appointments to increase the chance of saving your tooth.
- Experienced team – Skilled in handling all types of dental trauma.
- Comprehensive care – From reimplantation to replacement options if the tooth cannot be saved.
- Patient-focused – Gentle, compassionate care to ease stress during emergencies.
Final Word
A knocked-out tooth is a frightening experience, but it does not have to mean the end of your smile. With quick action and expert care, there’s a real chance of saving the tooth.
If you or a family member ever suffer a dental avulsion, remember:
