Can Knocked-Out Teeth Be Saved?

Man holding his jaw and holding a tooth that got knocked out When a tooth gets knocked out, you might not be sure exactly what you should do. The important thing is to act quickly so you don’t make the problem worse. In many cases, a dentist can replant the tooth and help it heal back in place.

At Gentle Dental Care in Edison, New Jersey, we’ve handled countless dental emergencies. Whether you’re in Edison or nearby Highland Park, our experienced team is here when it matters. Dr. Brad Strober, Dr. Cynthia Butcofski, and Dr. Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess bring years of training and hands-on skills to help you keep your natural teeth whenever possible.

What You Should Do Right Away

When you’re tooth gets knocked out, there’s a decent chance it can reattach if it is reinserted within 30 to 60 minutes. 

First, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white top part), not the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline, but do not scrub it. Try to gently place it back into the socket and bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place.

If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk, saline, or inside your cheek only if it’s safe to do so. Then call a dentist right away. 

How We Help at Gentle Dental Care

When you come to Gentle Dental Care with a knocked-out tooth, our first priority is to see if the natural tooth can be saved. 

If the tooth is brought in soon enough and in good condition, your dentist will gently clean it, then try to reinsert it into the socket. Once it’s in place, we’ll often use a small splint to stabilize the tooth, holding it in position with nearby teeth while it heals. Follow-up visits and X-rays will help us track how the tooth is reattaching.

In cases where the tooth can’t be saved, we’ll walk you through replacement options. These may include:

  • Dental implants: A durable, long-term option that replaces the tooth root and crown.
  • Dental bridges: A fixed replacement that anchors to the teeth on either side of the gap.
  • Partial dentures: A removable appliance that can restore one or more missing teeth.

Call Us for Emergency Dental Care

If you or your child has had a tooth knocked out, do not wait. Contact Gentle Dental Care at 732-549-5660 right away so we can help save your smile. Patients in Edison and Highland Park trust us with everything from routine checkups to urgent care, and we’re always ready when something unexpected happens.

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