Knocked Out a Tooth? What You Need to Do in the First 30 Minutes

A knocked-out tooth—known medically as an avulsed tooth—is a serious dental emergency. The next 30 minutes are critical. Whether it happened during a sports game, accident, or unexpected fall, knowing what to do right away could save your natural tooth.

Why Time Matters When You Knock Out a Tooth

The Golden Window: Why 30 Minutes Is Critical

Once a tooth is knocked out, its living tissues—especially the periodontal ligament—begin to deteriorate quickly. If the tooth is reimplanted within 30 minutes, there’s a strong chance it can fully reattach. After an hour, the chances of successful reimplantation drop significantly.

What Happens Inside Your Mouth After a Tooth Is Knocked Out

The socket starts bleeding, nerves are exposed, and the body immediately initiates an inflammatory response. Without urgent care, infection can develop, or surrounding teeth may become unstable.

Risk of Permanent Tooth Loss or Infection

Failure to act swiftly could lead to permanent tooth loss, abscesses, or even damage to neighbouring teeth and bone. That’s why it's vital to contact a private emergency dentist in London the moment an injury happens.

First Aid for a Knocked-Out Tooth (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Pick Up the Tooth by the Crown, Not the Root

Hold the tooth carefully by the chewing surface (crown). Avoid touching the root—it's delicate and essential for reattachment.

Step 2: Rinse Gently – Do Not Scrub or Use Soap

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly under cold running water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub, dry, or wrap it in tissue.

Step 3: Try to Reinsert the Tooth (If Possible)

If you're confident and the tooth is whole (not fractured), attempt to gently reinsert it into the socket. Hold it in place by gently biting down on clean gauze or a cloth.

Step 4: Store the Tooth Correctly If You Can’t Reinsert It

If reinsertion isn’t possible, the tooth must stay moist. Ideal storage options include:

• A container of cold milk
• A saliva-filled container (e.g. spitting into a cup)
• A tooth preservation solution (if available)
  Avoid dry storage—never wrap the tooth in tissue or leave it exposed to air.

Step 5: Control Bleeding and Pain Safely

Use clean gauze to apply gentle pressure to the socket. Over-the-counter painkillers (like paracetamol) can help, but avoid aspirin, as it may increase bleeding.

How Soon Should You See a Dentist?

When it comes to dental avulsion, immediate care can make all the difference.

• NHS options may involve long waits or limitations in emergency dental slots.
• Private emergency dental clinics in London typically offer same-day appointments and on-call services, especially on weekends.

Time-sensitive treatment may involve:

• Reimplantation and splinting
• X-rays to assess damage
• Preventative antibiotics or a tetanus booster

What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Appointment

Once at the clinic, your dentist will:

• Examine and x-ray the area
• Reinsert or stabilise the tooth using a splint (a flexible brace attached to adjacent teeth)
• Clean the socket and manage any infection risk
• Offer advice on post-reimplantation care, including avoiding hard foods and smoking
  If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will discuss replacement options such as dental implants or bridges.

Preventing Knocked-Out Teeth in Future

While accidents happen, prevention goes a long way.

• Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during contact sports
• Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or packaging
• Maintain regular dental visits to monitor gum and tooth health

Conclusion: Don’t Delay – Every Minute Counts

A knocked-out tooth can often be saved—but only if you act fast. The first 30 minutes are crucial for successful reattachment. Follow the steps above to preserve the tooth and get to a dentist immediately.

Need urgent help? Don’t wait and risk your smile—book your emergency dentist in London now. We offer same-day appointments, including weekends, with compassionate, professional care that gets results.