Knocked-out tooth? What to do in the next 30 minutes
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, the part you chew with. Never touch the root. If it is clean, seat it back in the socket and bite gently on gauze. If you can't, keep it in milk and call us on 1800 833 844. Time matters: aim to see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes.
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Do this now
- Pick it up by the crown. Hold the white chewing part only. Never touch the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it briefly in milk. A few seconds only. Don't scrub it, don't use soap, and don't wipe it dry.
- Try to seat it back in the socket. Adult teeth only. Push it gently into place the right way round, then bite softly on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it there.
- Can't reseat it? Keep it in milk. Or tuck it inside your cheek if you're an adult. Never store it in water, and never let it dry out.
- Call 1800 833 844 now. Aim to be in a dental chair within 30 to 60 minutes. The sooner the tooth is back in place, the better its chance.
Then call us
We keep room for urgent visits and aim to see you the same day. The first assessment is free.
Got in right away and good result. Very professional
Go to a hospital emergency department if
- The tooth was knocked out by a blow that also caused confusion or any loss of consciousness.
- Bleeding has not stopped after 20 minutes of firm pressure.
- You have trouble swallowing or breathing.
- Swelling is spreading towards your eye or down your neck.
For anything on this list, hospital comes first. Call 000 if someone is struggling to breathe.
What we'll do when you come in
- We check the tooth, the socket and the teeth around it, and take a digital X-ray to see below the gum.
- If the tooth can be saved, we clean and reposition it, then splint it to the teeth beside it so it can heal.
- We talk through what happens next in plain words. A reinserted tooth needs follow-up care, and we plan that with you before you leave.
- If the tooth can't be saved, we explain your options for replacing it, with a clear written quote and no pressure.
While you wait
Do
- Keep the tooth moist in milk, or seated in the socket with gentle biting pressure.
- Bite gently on gauze or a clean cloth to settle the bleeding.
- Hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for swelling.
- Take pain relief as directed on the packet if you need it.
Don't
- Don't hold or touch the tooth by the root.
- Don't scrub the tooth or clean it with soap or chemicals.
- Don't store it in water, and don't let it dry out.
- Don't put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. Adult teeth only.
- Don't wait to see how it feels. Time is the biggest factor here.
The likely next steps
Quick answers
Can a knocked-out tooth really be saved?
Often, yes, if it's an adult tooth and it's back in the socket quickly. The first 30 to 60 minutes matter most. Every tooth and every knock is different, so we can't promise a tooth will survive, but acting fast is the biggest thing you can do to help.
What if I can't find the tooth?
Still call us straight away. We'll check the socket and the teeth around it, and an X-ray helps us make sure nothing is left in the gum. Then we'll talk through your options for the gap, in plain words, with a clear quote first.
My child knocked out a baby tooth. Do I put it back?
No. Baby teeth should not be put back in, because that can damage the adult tooth growing underneath. Press a clean cloth on the gum if it's bleeding, keep the tooth to show us, and call so we can check the area.
What will the visit cost?
If you're in pain, the first emergency check is free. Call us on 1800 833 844 and we'll explain any costs up front before you come in, so there are no surprises. Any treatment is quoted clearly before it goes ahead.
Locations
Six clinics. Find your closest.
Four across Brisbane. Two on the Gold Coast.
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Don't wait it out. Call us now
Tell us what's happening and we'll find you the soonest spot across our six clinics in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
or call 1800 833 844