Knocked out a tooth? The first 30 minutes decide whether it can be saved
If you have knocked out an adult tooth, pick it up by the crown, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and call Sunbury Dental House on (03) 8820 1809 immediately. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being successfully reimplanted when it is returned to the socket within 30 minutes. Our Sunbury practice prioritises dental emergencies and will talk you through exactly what to do the moment you call.
Why the first 30 minutes matter
A tooth that has been knocked out completely is called an avulsed tooth. The root surface is covered in living cells, and those cells begin to die the moment the tooth leaves the socket. Kept moist and handled correctly, the tooth can often be reimplanted and may reattach to the bone. Left dry on a bench or wrapped in a tissue, those cells break down quickly, and the chance of saving the tooth falls with every passing minute.
What to do, step by step
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown. The crown is the white part you normally see. Do not touch the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or saline. Do not scrub it and do not rinse it under tap water, as tap water damages the root cells.
- Try to place the tooth back in its socket. Push it in gently, facing the right way, and hold it in place by biting softly on a clean cloth.
- If it cannot go back in, keep it moist. Milk is best. Saliva works, so the tooth can be held inside the cheek of an adult. Never store it in water.
- Call Sunbury Dental House on (03) 8820 1809 straight away. Tell our team a tooth has been knocked out and we will prioritise you.
What not to do
Do not scrub the root, do not wrap the tooth in tissue, do not store it in water, and do not wait to see how it feels tomorrow. These four mistakes are the most common reasons a saveable tooth becomes an unsaveable one.
Knocked-out baby teeth are different
A knocked-out baby tooth should never be pushed back into the socket, as this can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, keep the tooth, offer comfort, and call us so a dentist can check the area and confirm nothing else is damaged. [LINK: Children’s Dentistry]
What happens when you arrive
Your dentist will assess the tooth and the socket, take an X-ray where clinically indicated, and reposition and splint the tooth if reimplantation is possible. You will be given clear aftercare instructions, and follow-up visits are arranged to monitor how the tooth settles. Whether a reimplanted tooth reattaches successfully varies between individuals, which is why fast action and professional follow-up both matter.
Frequently asked questions
Can a knocked-out tooth always be saved?
No. The outcome depends on how quickly the tooth is reimplanted, how it was stored, and individual healing. Acting within 30 minutes gives the best possible chance.
Should I go to hospital instead?
If there was a blow to the head, loss of consciousness, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to an emergency department first. For the tooth itself, a dentist is the right practitioner.
What if the tooth was knocked loose but not out?
A loosened or displaced tooth is still a dental emergency. Do not wiggle it. Call us and we will assess it the same day wherever possible.
Does it hurt to have a tooth reimplanted?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic before the tooth is repositioned. Most discomfort afterwards is managed with standard pain relief.
A knocked-out tooth cannot wait
Sunbury Dental House has cared for local families for more than 40 years, and dental emergencies are prioritised every day we are open. If you are in Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Bulla, Wildwood or Clarkefield and a tooth has been knocked out, call [PHONE] now and we will guide you from there.
