A tooth has come out after a knock: what should I do?
Act quickly. Hold the tooth by the crown without touching the root, rinse it briefly, keep it in milk or in your mouth, and seek care as soon as possible.
Dental emergencies
When a permanent tooth is knocked out, the chances of putting it back depend greatly on how quickly it is treated. The first few minutes count.
Pick the tooth up by the white part, without touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it very briefly under cold water, without rubbing or disinfecting it. If you can, gently put it back into its socket and bite on a gauze pad. Otherwise, keep it in milk or saline solution, or failing that in your mouth, against the cheek.
Contact the practice immediately. A baby tooth is not put back in place, but a check-up is still useful to examine the permanent tooth underneath.
If the knock caused a loss of consciousness, bleeding that will not stop, a serious facial injury, a fever afterwards, swelling towards the eye or neck, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, go straight to the hospital emergency department.
This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.
Other questions in this section
- I have an abscess or a swollen cheek: what should I do?
- I have broken a tooth: what should I do?
- My crown or filling has come out: what should I do?
- My temporary crown has come off: is it serious?
- I am still in pain several days after an extraction: is that normal?
- I have severe toothache at night: how can I relieve it?
- The treatment in detail : Dental emergency
- See the whole section
- All frequently asked questions