Narraweena Smiles
Dr Sakshi Garg

What should I do if I knock out a tooth?

If you knock out a tooth, our Narraweena emergency dentist encourages you to act quickly. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the chances of saving it. 

First, handle the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root, to avoid damaging delicate tissue. We recommend that you rinse the tooth gently and avoid scrubbing or using tap water, as this can harm the cells needed for successful reattachment.

If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and gently bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If you are unable to reinsert the tooth, store the tooth in a container of milk, saline or your own saliva to keep it moist. We strongly recommend that you never let the tooth dry out.

We urge you to seek emergency dental care in Narraweena immediately. Teeth have the highest chance of being successfully re-implanted within 30 to 60 minutes of being knocked out. Even if it has been longer, don’t delay—your dentist may still be able to save the tooth or provide alternative solutions.

If you’re experiencing bleeding, pain or swelling, apply a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain relief while heading to your dentist. Quick action can make all the difference in preserving your smile!

Need Emergency Dentistry in Narraweena, Beacon Hill or surrounding areas? 

Please give us a call for emergency dental care at Narraweena Smiles.