Fully Dislodged Tooth

A fully dislodged tooth, often called a knocked-out tooth, has come out of its socket entirely. This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies, because a tooth that is handled carefully and checked quickly may sometimes be placed back. How you handle the tooth in the first minutes can matter, so it helps to stay calm and act promptly.

What Fully Dislodged Tooth involves

A knocked-out tooth needs a dentist to check the socket, the root, and the surrounding tissues. In some cases a dentist may try to place the tooth back and hold it in place. In other cases that is not possible, and the dentist will discuss other options for the gap and for protecting the neighbouring teeth.

Signs of Fully Dislodged Tooth

• The tooth is completely out of the mouth
• The socket is bleeding
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the gum
• Damage to the lip, cheek, or gum from the same impact

What to do right away for Fully Dislodged Tooth

• Pick the tooth up by the crown, the part you normally see, not by the root
• If it is dirty, rinse it very briefly with clean water without scrubbing
• If you can, hold it gently in place in the socket and bite softly on clean gauze
• If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk or inside the cheek, and get dental help right away

How a dentist may help with Fully Dislodged Tooth

• Check the socket and the tooth, including the root
• Take an X-ray to look for other damage
• Attempt to place the tooth back when that is appropriate, and stabilise it
• Explain follow-up care and what to watch for as it heals

When to seek urgent care for Fully Dislodged Tooth

Seek urgent care right away if bleeding is heavy, the jaw may be injured, or you have a head injury, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing.

General information on this page is not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.

Related emergency dental help

• Partially Dislodged Tooth
• Oral Bleeding
• Jaw Injury

Emergency Dental Services — back to the full list. Contact Emergency Dentist for general enquiries, or call for urgent help.

Frequently asked questions about Fully Dislodged Tooth

How should I hold a knocked-out tooth?

Hold it by the crown only. Avoid touching the root, and do not scrub it or let it dry out.

What if I cannot put the tooth back in place?

Keep it moist, for example in milk, and get dental help as quickly as you can. Do not force it into the socket.

Does a knocked-out baby tooth get put back?

That decision is for a dentist to make. Call promptly and explain the age of the person and which tooth was lost.