01
Act Immediately
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water — do not scrub. Try to reinsert it into the socket, or store it in milk or between your cheek and gum.
This may be a dental emergency. Call us now at (972) 641-2900 for same-day care.
← All Symptoms
Dental emergency
I Lost a Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency. If you act within 30–60 minutes, there is a real chance the tooth can be reimplanted and saved.
What is this condition?
An avulsed tooth is one that has been completely knocked out of its socket — root and all. This most often happens from a sports injury, fall, or blow to the face. Time is critical: the longer the tooth is out of the socket, the lower the chance of successful reimplantation.
Why might I have this?
- Sports injury or collision
- A fall or accident
- A blow to the face or mouth
- Severe gum disease that has weakened the bone holding the tooth
What symptoms should I watch for?
- The tooth is completely out of the socket
- Bleeding from the empty socket
- Pain in the jaw or surrounding teeth
- Swelling or bruising around the mouth
What happens during treatment?
02
Call Us Now
Call (972) 641-2900 immediately. Tell us a tooth has been knocked out. We will see you as quickly as possible.
03
Reimplantation
If the tooth is viable, we will reimplant it into the socket and stabilize it with a splint attached to neighboring teeth.
04
Follow-Up Care
A root canal is typically needed after reimplantation. We monitor healing and discuss long-term options including implants if reimplantation is not successful.
Will it hurt?
We will numb the area before any procedure. The socket may be sore for several days after reimplantation. We will provide pain management guidance and prescribe medication if needed.
How long does it take?
Emergency reimplantation takes about 30–60 minutes. Follow-up root canal therapy is typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks.
What happens after treatment?
- Eat only soft foods for several weeks
- Do not touch or wiggle the reimplanted tooth
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing
- Attend all follow-up appointments — healing must be monitored closely
- Wear a mouthguard for sports going forward
What happens if I don't treat it?
If a knocked-out tooth is not reimplanted quickly, it cannot be saved. The empty socket will cause the surrounding bone to shrink over time, making future tooth replacement more complex. A dental implant is the best long-term replacement option.
Possible treatments
Do you perform this at Essential Dental Care?
Yes. We handle knocked-out tooth emergencies at Essential Dental Care. Call us immediately — every minute counts. If we are unavailable, go to the nearest emergency room.
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Don't wait — early treatment is almost always simpler, less expensive, and more comfortable. We're here to help.