Emergency Knocked Out Tooth Treatment

Urgent tooth reimplantation to preserve your natural tooth and restore your smile

Available 24/7 • Medicaid Accepted

Knocked-Out Tooth? Immediate Action Can Make the Difference

A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is a serious dental emergency where every minute counts. If you reach our emergency dental clinic within 30 minutes and the tooth is properly preserved, there's a high chance we can successfully re-implant it and save your natural tooth. Prompt action is key to restoring your smile and avoiding permanent tooth loss.

There’s a 90% chance of saving a knocked-out tooth if re-implanted within 30 minutes.

What To Do When You Have Knocked Out Tooth

Do's

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white chewing surface), not the root.

  • Rinse the tooth gently with milk or saline if dirt—do not scrub or use soap.

  • Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible, and gently bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.

  • Keep the tooth moist at all times. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store it in a container of milk or Saliva (inside your cheek—only if you're conscious and not at risk of swallowing it).

  • Contact us immediately—ideally within 30 minutes.

Don'ts

  • Do not touch or scrub the root of the tooth — it’s covered in vital tissue that aids reattachment.

  • Do not let the tooth dry out — avoid wrapping it in tissue or leaving it exposed to air.

  • Do not store the tooth in tap water — this can damage the root surface cells.

  • Do not delay seeking care — the longer you wait, the lower the chances of successful reimplantation.

  • Do not assume the tooth can’t be saved — even if it looks damaged, proper emergency care can make a big difference.

Sacramento Emergency Dental Process For Knocked Out Tooth

  • Initial Evaluation

We perform a quick but thorough exam to assess the tooth, surrounding tissues, and overall oral health. Digital X-rays may be taken to check the socket and rule out additional injuries.

  • Tooth Cleaning and Preparation

If the tooth wasn’t reinserted before arrival, we’ll gently rinse it with a sterile solution—never scrubbed—to preserve any remaining periodontal ligament cells critical for reattachment.

  • Reinsertion Into the Socket

We carefully reinsert the tooth into its original socket, ensuring proper alignment and positioning for healing.

  • Stabilization (Splinting)

To secure the reimplanted tooth, we attach it to adjacent teeth using a soft, flexible dental splint. This stabilizes the tooth while the surrounding tissues heal over the next 1–2 weeks.

Dental Trauma Care Frequently Asked Questions

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Yes, if it's a permanent (adult) tooth and it's treated quickly. If the tooth is properly handled and reimplanted within 30 minutes, the success rate is as high as 90%. After 2 hours, the chances drop significantly.

What if the knocked-out tooth is a baby tooth?

Baby teeth are usually not reimplanted because doing so may damage the developing permanent tooth beneath. Still, you should seek dental care to assess the injury and ensure no additional damage has occurred.

Will a reimplanted tooth look and function like a natural tooth?

In many cases, a successfully reimplanted tooth can look and function normally for years. However, it does require regular monitoring, as it may eventually need root canal therapy or show signs of root resorption over time. Routine dental checkups help detect and manage any potential issues early, giving your tooth the best chance of long-term survival.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

Our trauma protocol ensures you receive the right care, right away—so you can heal faster and protect your long-term oral health.

Open 24-Hours • All Insurance/Medicaid Accepted • Walk-ins and By Appointment Available

Sacramento Emergency Dental Clinics

  • 2010 K St., Suite 101

    Sacramento, CA 95811

  • (877) 462-0628

  • Opens 24-Hours a Day

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Why Work With Us

  • 24/7 Emergency Availability

  • Medicaid Accepted

  • All Insurance Welcome

  • Accessible Location

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