Dental Trauma Part 2: Knocked-Out Teeth - Your 60-Minute Save Window
- Dr. Dhanraj Budhai
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 20
If Part 1 taught us anything, it’s that dental trauma isn’t just about fixing a chip or a crack- it’s about acting quickly to save what can be saved. Today, we’re focusing on one of the most urgent dental emergencies: the knocked-out tooth, also called an avulsion.
This is one of those moments where minutes matter. The choices you make in the first hour could be the difference between saving the tooth or losing it for good.
Why Knocked-Out Teeth Are Different
When a tooth is completely knocked out, the blood vessels and nerves are severed, but the ligament fibers on the root’s surface can still reattach- IF they’re protected and replanted promptly. This is why dental avulsion is considered a race against time.
The magic number? 30 - 60 minutes. After that, survival chances drop sharply.
Who Needs to Know This?
Everyone. Parents, teachers, sports coaches, daycare staff- anyone who might be the first responder in knock-out teeth situations. Because if you know what to do, you can make the dentist’s job much easier… and maybe save someone’s natural smile.
Your Action Plan: What to Do if a Tooth is Knocked Out
Here’s your step-by-step guide, based on the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines.
Stay Calm and Act Fast
Take a deep breath. Your calmness will help the injured person stay calm too.
Check for other injuries, especially head or jaw trauma, before focusing on the tooth.
Find the Tooth and Handle it Carefully
Pick it up by the crown (the white chewing surface).
Do not touch the root- it’s covered with delicate cells that are essential for healing.
Rinse- Gently
If the tooth is dirty, give it a quick rinse in milk or saline.
If these aren’t available, use the patient’s saliva or a very brief rinse under clean, cold water.
Do not scrub or dry the tooth!
Put It Back in the Socket (Best Option)
If possible, gently insert the tooth back into the socket.
Ask the person to bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place.
If Replanting Isn’t Possible, Store it Properly
Place the tooth in:
Milk (best option if socket replantation is not immediate). Any milk, however, cold cow's milk is most recommended.
Saline solution.
Inside the person’s cheek (for older children and adults only- not young children due to choking risk)
A cup with the person's saliva.
Never store the tooth in plain water for more than a few seconds- it damages the root cells.
Get to the Dentist Immediately
Every minute counts. Even with perfect handling, the sooner the tooth is replanted, the better the chances of long-term survival.
Downloadable & Printable Quick-Reference Guide 👇
Bottom Line
A knocked-out tooth isn’t just a dental problem- it’s a race against time. With the right quick action, you can help save the tooth and avoid a lifetime of dental replacements.
And as promised, our next post will focus on dental trauma prevention, because while knowing what to do is essential, avoiding the injury in the first place is even better.
About the Blogger
Dr. Dhanraj Budhai
Dental Surgeon/ Implantologist
Dr. Dhanraj Budhai has over a decade of experience, specializing in Implant Dentistry. As the founder of Smile Designers, he is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art dental care. Outside the clinic, he enjoys photography and spending time with his cats.
"My team and I are committed to exceptional dentistry. We embrace innovation and stay at the forefront of dental advancements to ensure our patients receive the highest-quality care."
References (When Life Knocks Your Teeth Around)
Flores MT, Andersson L, Andreasen JO, et al. Guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: II. Avulsion of permanent teeth. Dental Traumatology, 2007; 23(3):130–136.
International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). (2020). Guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: Avulsion of permanent teeth.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). Knocked-out tooth: First aid. Mayo Clinic.
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