Emergency Services
Knocked-Out Tooth Treatment
A knocked-out adult tooth is time-sensitive. Handle it by the crown, keep it moist, and call 780-944-2828 right away.
Why time matters
When a permanent tooth is knocked out, the cells on the root surface begin to dry out and break down. Keeping the tooth moist and getting to a dentist quickly can help keep those cells alive, which may improve the chance that the tooth can be placed back in the socket (replanted) and heal. Generally, the sooner the tooth is seen, the better.
Even with fast care, a replanted tooth is not always saved long term. Your dentist will assess the tooth and the socket and talk with you about what to expect.
First steps for an adult tooth
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, follow these steps:
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Find the tooth and hold it by the crown
Pick it up by the white chewing part. Avoid touching the root.
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Rinse only if dirty
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or clean water. Do not scrub it, use soap, or remove any attached tissue.
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Try to put it back
If you can, gently place the tooth back in the socket facing the right way and bite softly on clean gauze or a cloth to hold it.
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Otherwise, keep it moist
If it cannot go back in, store it in a small container of milk, or in the mouth between the cheek and gum if the person is old enough not to swallow it. Do not let it dry out or wrap it in tissue.
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Call and come in right away
Call 780-944-2828 and bring the tooth with you. If you cannot reach us, seek emergency care as quickly as possible.
Baby teeth are different
If a child knocks out a baby (primary) tooth, do not try to put it back in. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding and call us so your dentist can check the area and the surrounding teeth.
If you are not sure whether the tooth is a baby tooth or an adult tooth, keep it moist in milk and call.
What happens at your visit
Treatment for a knocked-out tooth depends on how long it has been out and the condition of the tooth and socket. Your visit may include:
- Checking the tooth, socket, gums and nearby teeth for other injuries
- X-rays to look for fractures of the tooth or surrounding bone
- Gently cleaning and repositioning the tooth if replanting is appropriate
- Splinting the tooth to neighbouring teeth for a period while it heals
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing, as root canal treatment may be needed later
If a tooth cannot be saved, your dentist can discuss options for replacing it once the area has healed.
Other injuries come first
If the tooth was knocked out in a fall or accident and there is a possible head injury, loss of consciousness, jaw injury, or bleeding that does not stop with pressure, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department first. Keep the tooth moist in milk and bring it with you.
Emergency Services
Has a tooth been knocked out?
Call 780-944-2828 or book an appointment online.