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Knocked-Out or Broken Tooth: What to Do in a Dental Emergency
A knocked-out adult tooth can often be saved if you act within the first hour. Learn the first aid steps for knocked-out, broken and loose teeth.
Quick answer
If an adult tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse it briefly in milk or saline if dirty, and push it back into the socket if you can, biting on a clean cloth to hold it. If you can't, keep it in milk or in the person's cheek and see a dentist immediately, ideally within an hour. Do not replant baby teeth. Go to the emergency department if there is a head injury, heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing.
In this article
Dental injuries are common in sports, falls and accidents. Quick action can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Knocked-out adult tooth
- Find the tooth and hold it by the crown (the white part). Don't touch the root.
- If dirty, rinse briefly in milk or saline. Don't scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
- Try to put it back in the socket, facing the right way, and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If you can't replant it, keep it moist: in milk, in saline, or inside the cheek (adults only, not young children, who might swallow it).
- See a dentist immediately. The best results are within 30 to 60 minutes.
Knocked-out baby tooth
Don't put it back, as this can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding and see a dentist.
Broken or chipped tooth
- Rinse the mouth with warm water.
- Keep any broken pieces in milk and bring them to the dentist.
- Use a cold compress on the face for swelling.
- See a dentist the same day if the break is large, painful, or you can see pink or red in the centre of the tooth.
Loose or pushed-out tooth
Gently push it back into position if you can, without forcing it, bite on a cloth, and see a dentist the same day.
When to go to the emergency department
- Head injury, loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion
- Bleeding that won't stop with 15 minutes of firm pressure
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- A suspected broken jaw
Preventing dental injuries
Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and martial arts, and use seat belts and child car seats.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see dental emergencies?
Yes. Call us on 06 743 7333 and we'll try to see you the same day during opening hours. Read more about our general dentistry services.
What if it happens at night?
For a knocked-out adult tooth, follow the first aid steps and seek urgent dental care as soon as possible. Go to a hospital emergency department for serious injuries.