Knocked-out or pushed-in tooth: what to do after an injury?

A dental injury can cause a tooth to chip, move, be pushed into the gum or come out completely. Contact a dentist as soon as possible, even if there is little pain at first.

When is urgent help needed?

Seek urgent dental care if a tooth has been knocked out, displaced, pushed into the gum or badly chipped. A knocked-out permanent tooth needs assessment as soon as possible: time and storage conditions affect the chance of saving it.

Call 112 for a serious head or facial injury, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing or heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped.

A knocked-out permanent tooth: first steps

1. Find the tooth and hold it by the crown, the part normally visible above the gum. Do not touch the root.
2. If dirty, gently rinse it with milk, saline or saliva. Do not scrub the root or let the tooth dry out.
3. If you are sure it is a permanent tooth and it goes back easily, gently place it in its socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it. If unsure or unable to do this, keep the tooth in a container of milk or the person’s own saliva.
4. Go to a dentist immediately, even if the tooth cannot be found. Call the clinic before travelling.

What if a baby tooth is knocked out?

Do not put a baby tooth back. This may damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Contact the child’s dentist and explain when and how the injury happened. If you are unsure whether the tooth is a baby or permanent tooth, do not attempt to put it back before consulting a professional.

A tooth pushed into the gum or displaced

After an impact, a tooth may look shorter, pushed deeper into the gum or tilted. Do not try to pull or push it into place yourself. The dentist will examine the tissues and may take an X-ray. Treatment for baby and permanent teeth can differ.

What can the dentist do?

The dentist examines the tooth and surrounding soft tissues and may take an X-ray. A replanted or loose permanent tooth sometimes needs a temporary splint attached to neighbouring teeth. Further treatment, including root canal treatment, may be needed depending on root development and healing.

Why are follow-up visits needed?

Damage to the pulp or root can cause problems later, even if the tooth initially looks normal. Your dentist will advise when to return. Contact the clinic sooner if the tooth changes colour, becomes painful or swelling develops.

Preparing for an urgent appointment

When booking, explain where and when the injury occurred, whether the tooth is permanent, whether it is intact, how it is being stored and whether there are other injuries. If a fragment has broken off, keep it in milk or saliva and bring it with you.

While waiting for care, avoid chewing on the injured side and do not touch the tooth’s root. Do not use sharp objects or force a displaced tooth to move.