A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies, but with the right steps, it may be possible to save it. Acting quickly can make a big difference in whether your dentist can successfully reattach the tooth. At Pacific Highway Dental in Surrey, we provide urgent dental care to help patients restore their smiles after accidents and injuries.

Stay Calm and Act Quickly

If a tooth gets knocked out, time is critical. Try to stay calm and respond immediately. The sooner you get to a dentist, the higher the chance of saving your tooth. Ideally, treatment should begin within 30 to 60 minutes.

Handle the Tooth Carefully

Always pick up the tooth by the crown, the white chewing surface, and avoid touching the root. The root contains delicate tissues that are essential for reattachment. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution, but never scrub or use soap.

Try to Reinsert the Tooth

If possible, carefully place the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze. This helps keep the root protected until you reach the dental office.

Keep the Tooth Moist

If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist at all times. The best storage options are:

• A container with milk

• A tooth preservation kit (if available)

• Holding the tooth inside your cheek, if safe for the patient

Avoid storing the tooth in water, as this can damage the root cells.

Seek Emergency Dental Care

Contact your dentist immediately for emergency treatment. At Pacific Highway Dental in Surrey, our team is trained to handle dental emergencies and will provide the best possible care to save your tooth and restore your smile.