Dental questions · Emergency first aid
Knocked-Out Tooth? What To Do in the First Hour
A knocked-out adult tooth is a true dental emergency. Acting quickly gives the best chance of saving it. Here is what to do, step by step, and when to get help.
- Act within 30 to 60 minutes
- Hold the crown, not the root
- Store it in milk
- Never replant a baby tooth
Happened during opening hours?
Call us straight away on (07) 3269 2064, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, and head in with the tooth.
Call now →Step by step
What to do if an adult tooth is knocked out
The cells on the root surface start to die quickly once a tooth is out of the mouth and drying. Keeping the tooth moist and getting to a dentist fast gives the best chance of saving it.
Go to hospital first if needed
If there is a head injury, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or trouble breathing, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
1. Pick it up by the crown
Hold the white biting part. Do not touch the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly
Rinse for a few seconds in milk, saline or cold running water. Do not scrub it, dry it or wrap it in tissue.
3. Try to put it back in
If the person is calm and able, gently push the tooth back into its socket the right way round, then bite on a clean cloth to hold it.
4. If it will not go back, keep it moist
Place it in a container of milk. An adult can also hold it inside their cheek. Do not store it in water.
5. See a dentist immediately
Ideally within 30 to 60 minutes. Call (07) 3269 2064 during opening hours and bring the tooth with you.
Children
What if it is a baby tooth?
Do not try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Keep your child calm, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if the gum is bleeding, and bring them in to be checked.
If you are not sure whether it is a baby tooth or an adult tooth, treat it as an adult tooth: keep it in milk and call us straight away.
What not to do
Do not hold the root
Touching the root can damage the cells needed for it to reattach.
Do not let it dry out
A tooth left dry for more than a short time is much less likely to survive.
Do not store it in water
Plain water damages the root surface. Milk or saline is better.
Do not wait to see if it settles
Time matters. Get help as soon as possible.
Getting help
What happens at the dentist, and what if we are closed?
At our Sandgate clinic, your dentist will check the tooth and socket, take X-rays, reposition the tooth if needed and splint it to the teeth beside it while it heals. You will need follow-up visits, and some replanted teeth later need root canal treatment.
We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Outside these hours, go to your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice from a registered nurse.
Prevent it happening again
Wear a mouthguard for sport
A custom-fitted mouthguard helps protect teeth during contact and ball sports.
Keep our number handy
Save (07) 3269 2064 in your phone for urgent problems.
Meet your dentists
Experienced, highly qualified and genuinely kind
All of our dentists are registered with Ahpra and keep learning well beyond their degrees, so you get thoughtful, up-to-date care.
Dr Andrew Bachour
Principal Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Master’s degrees in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics and in Sleep Medicine. Special interest in TMJ, orofacial pain and airway health.
Dr Michael Au
Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Known for his gentle touch and clear explanations, with advanced training in restorative dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Dr Pei San Chan
Dentist
BDS (Adelaide), GradDip Orthodontics (JCU), DipOrtho (UJI). Warm, calm care for patients of all ages, including children and orthodontics.
Knocked out or broken a tooth?
Call our Sandgate team straight away on (07) 3269 2064, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. For routine visits, you can book online.