Knocked-out tooth: what to do
Quick answer
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
If it is clean, try to put an adult tooth back in the socket and bite on a handkerchief. If you cannot, store it in milk or saliva — never let it dry out — and call York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet on 01932 348864 immediately. Speed matters; minutes, not hours. Baby teeth should not be replanted.
What you need to know
Do not scrub the root. A quick rinse in milk or saline is enough if it is dirty. Keep the person sitting up, and deal with bleeding with gentle pressure. Head injury, dizziness or vomiting needs A&E, not just a dentist.
Even when the tooth cannot be saved, we can manage the gap, control pain and plan an implant or bridge later. Emergency assessments start from £78.
For other trauma — see emergency dentist and broken tooth first aid.
Care at York House Dental Practice
Welcoming new patients, families and emergency appointments from West Byfleet, Woking, Weybridge, and across Surrey.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
