Few dental emergencies are as time-sensitive or alarming as knocking a tooth out. Whether it is due to a sports injury, fall or blow from an accident, looking at your tooth out of its socket can be scary. But just how much does what you do in the next 15 minutes really matter?
There’s a window of time—often called the “golden hour”—where a knocked-out tooth has the highest chance of being saved. Acting fast can mean the difference between keeping your natural tooth or losing it for good. Here’s what to do if you or someone close to you ever finds themselves in this situation—and how an emergency dentist in Newton can help turn things around.
What Happens When a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is a serious dental injury. That means that the tooth is knocked entirely out of its socket (sometimes causing damage to surrounding gum, blood vessels and nerves in the process).
The good news? If the tooth is handled properly and reinserted within 30 to 60 minutes, there’s a solid chance it can successfully reattach. But the clock starts ticking the moment that tooth comes out. After that golden hour, the odds of saving it drop quickly.
Step 1: Find the Tooth and Handle It Carefully
Once the tooth is out, the first step is to find it quickly—and be careful with how you handle it. Pick it up by the crown (the white, visible part you use to chew). Do not touch the root since it is an extremely important medium and full of fine tissue which can either make or break re-attachment.
If the tooth looks dirty, don’t scrub it. Just give it a gentle rinse using milk or saline solution. Avoid tap water and definitely don’t use soap or disinfectants—they can damage the root cells that help the tooth reattach.
Step 2: Try to Reinsert It—If You Can
If the person is conscious and able, try to place the tooth back into its socket immediately. Gently push it into place and have the person bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it there. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in a safe, moist environment. The best options include:
- A glass of cold milk (preferred)
- A tooth preservation kit (like Save-a-Tooth) if available
- Saliva (inside the cheek—not ideal, but better than nothing)
Never store a knocked-out tooth in water or let it dry out. Dehydration kills the root cells and drastically reduces the chance of saving it.
Step 3: Call an Emergency Dentist Immediately
Once the tooth is secure, contact an emergency dentist near you immediately. Inform them it is a knocked-out tooth and you are going in. This gives the dental team a chance to prepare for your visit. This allows the dental team to get ready for your arrival.
An emergency dentist in Newton can provide the swift care needed to reinsert and stabilize the tooth. Timing is crucial—ideally, you should arrive within 30 to 60 minutes of the incident for the best outcome.
Step 4: What to Expect at the Dentist’s Office
When you arrive, the dentist will evaluate the tooth and surrounding area. In good condition, the tooth could be placed back into your mouth and splinted to the adjacent teeth until it can heal. If you act quickly, you can save the tooth in up to 90% of cases with reimplantation, so do your best even if there is no success.
One of the most commonly known dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth and it is one that should never be ignored. And, those first 60 minutes are critical. After this, your actions could mean keeping your natural tooth or replacing it.
If you or someone you know ever faces this situation, remember the steps: handle the tooth carefully, store it properly, and contact an emergency dentist immediately. And if you’re in the area, visit us at Newton Dental Studio today! Don’t leave your smile to chance—know what to do before it happens. Because your tooth has 60 minutes to live, and you have the power to save it.
