Having a tooth knocked out is one of the most alarming dental emergencies you can experience. Whether from a sports injury, accident, or fall, losing a permanent tooth requires immediate action. The good news is that if you act quickly and follow the right steps, Dr. Rubel at Coral West Dental may be able to save your tooth and reimplant it successfully. Time is absolutely critical – every minute counts.

Here’s exactly what you should do if you or someone you know has a tooth knocked out.

The First 60 Minutes Are Critical

When a permanent tooth is knocked out (called an avulsed tooth), the cells on the root surface begin to die. The faster the tooth is reimplanted, the better the chance it will reattach and survive. Research shows that teeth reimplanted within 30 minutes have the highest success rate, though reimplantation up to an hour after injury can still work.

This means you need to act immediately and get to Coral West Dental as fast as possible.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately

1. Find the Tooth

Locate the knocked-out tooth right away. Time is critical, so don’t waste time searching for other items—focus on finding the tooth first.

2. Pick It Up Carefully

This is crucial: Only touch the crown (the white part you normally see). Never touch or handle the root (the pointed part that was in your gum). The root surface has delicate cells that must stay alive for reimplantation to work.

3. Rinse Gently If Dirty

If the tooth has dirt or debris on it:

• Rinse it very gently with milk or saline solution if available
• If you only have water, use it sparingly
• Do not scrub the tooth
• Do not use soap or chemicals
• Do not dry the tooth with a towel or cloth
• Do not remove any tissue fragments attached to the root

4. Keep the Tooth Moist

If you cannot reinsert the tooth, you must keep it wet. The root surface absolutely cannot dry out. Here are your best options, in order of preference:

Best Option: Milk

• Place the tooth in a container of cold whole milk
• Milk contains proteins and nutrients that help keep root cells alive
• This is better than water or saliva

Second Best: Your Mouth

• Place the tooth between your cheek and gums
• Or hold it under your tongue
• Your saliva will keep it moist
• Be careful not to swallow it (not recommended for young children)

Third Best: Saline Solution

• If available, use contact lens solution or saline

Last Resort: Water

• Only use water if absolutely nothing else is available
• Tap water is not ideal but better than letting the tooth dry out

Never:

• Wrap the tooth in a tissue or paper towel
• Let it dry out
• Put it in regular water for extended periods
• Store it in a plastic bag without liquid

5. Control Bleeding

• Bite down on clean gauze or cloth
• Apply gentle, steady pressure for 10-15 minutes
• Don’t repeatedly check if bleeding has stopped—maintain pressure

6. Manage Pain and Swelling

• Apply a cold compress to your face
• Take over-the-counter pain medication (but avoid aspirin, which increases bleeding)

7. Call Coral West Dental Immediately

As soon as you’ve secured the tooth, call Coral West Dental right away. Explain that you have a knocked-out tooth and you’re on your way. Dr. Rubel and his team will prepare for your arrival and provide guidance if needed.

Don’t wait to call. Even if it’s after hours, leave a message with the answering service. Dental emergencies like this require immediate attention.

Long-Term Outlook

Success rates for reimplanted teeth depend on several factors:

• How quickly the tooth was reimplanted
• How the tooth was stored before reimplantation
• The extent of damage to the root and surrounding bone
• Your age (younger patients have better success rates)
• How well you follow post-treatment care instructions

Even when reimplantation is successful initially, some teeth may eventually require root canal treatment or could be lost years later. However, even a few extra years with your natural tooth is valuable.

Act Fast, Save Your Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency, but it’s not hopeless. Your quick action and proper tooth handling can make the difference between saving and losing your natural tooth. Remember: handle by the crown only, keep it moist, and get to Dr. Rubel at Coral West Dental within the hour.

Have a knocked-out tooth? Every second counts. Contact Coral West Dental in Coralville immediately for emergency dental care.