Knocked Out a Tooth? Here's Exactly What to Do in the First 30 Minutes

If an adult tooth gets knocked out, the clock starts immediately. Do not re-implant a primary/baby tooth. If it is an adult tooth, the best thing you can do is put it back in the socket yourself, right away.

Rinse it gently first if it is dirty, hold it by the crown, and press it into place. That sounds alarming, but a tooth back in its socket within a few minutes has by far the best chance of surviving. If you cannot replant it, or you are not sure you should, store it in milk and get to a dentist immediately.

Do not replant a child's baby tooth. Putting a primary tooth back can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath it. Call us instead.

Then call me and head over. Bring the tooth however you've stored it. If after hours head to emergency room or an urgent care.

I'd keep this one bookmarked if you have kids in youth sports. Most of the knocked-out teeth I treat come from athletic fields, not car accidents, and most of them were preventable with a mouthguard.