First
Assessment
The dentist examines the tooth, socket, surrounding teeth and bone, usually with X-rays, before deciding whether replantation is appropriate.
- Focus
- Tooth, socket, bone and other injuries
Knocked-out permanent tooth first aid: handle the crown, keep the root moist, do not replant a baby tooth, and arrange urgent dental care.
Time-sensitive dental emergency
Knocked-out tooth. Keep it moist and arrange urgent care.
A permanent adult tooth may sometimes be replanted. Handle it by the crown, protect the root surface and seek dental care promptly.
Do this now
Five steps that protect the root surface.
These instructions apply to a permanent adult tooth. Do not replant a baby tooth.
Find the tooth
Pick it up by the crown, which is the white part normally visible in the mouth. Do not touch the root.
Rinse only if dirty
Briefly use milk or saline. Do not scrub, scrape, disinfect or dry the root surface.
Replant an adult tooth if confident
Gently guide it into the socket in the correct direction and bite on clean gauze. Do not force it and never replant a baby tooth.
Otherwise keep it moist
Place it in cold milk or saline. Holding it inside the cheek is an option only when there is no swallowing risk. Do not use water.
Arrange urgent dental care
Book online at any time. During opening hours, call for immediate phone triage and tell the team the tooth has been knocked out.
Timing guide
Earlier care gives the tooth a better chance.
These windows are general guidance, not a guarantee. Correct storage and the type of injury also affect whether replantation is possible.
Within 30 minutes
This is the most favourable window because root-surface cells are more likely to remain viable. Seek dental care without delay.
30 to 60 minutes
Replantation may still be possible, particularly when the tooth has stayed moist in milk, saline or the mouth.
1 to 2 hours
The outlook is less favourable, but the tooth should still be brought to the appointment for assessment.
More than 2 hours
Replantation becomes less predictable. Bring the tooth anyway so the injury and replacement pathways can be assessed.
What happens next
Assessment first, then a staged care plan.
The team treats the immediate injury and explains follow-up, monitoring and replacement choices if needed.
If suitable
Replantation and splint
The tooth is positioned in the socket and a flexible splint may hold it beside neighbouring teeth while the area stabilises.
- Typical splint
- Often around 2 weeks; varies by injury
Follow-up
Root canal planning
A mature permanent tooth commonly needs root canal treatment after replantation. The timing depends on the tooth and injury.
- Monitoring
- Clinical reviews and imaging
If it cannot be saved
Replacement planning
Implants, bridges and removable options are considered after the injury and tissues have been assessed and allowed to heal.
- Decision factors
- Age, healing, bone, adjacent teeth and budget
Common questions
The details people need in a hurry.
If you are deciding what to do right now, follow the five steps above and arrange urgent care.
Can a knocked-out permanent tooth be saved?
Sometimes. Prompt replantation and correct storage improve the chance, especially within the first hour. The socket, tooth, storage conditions and injury still need clinical assessment.
How should I store the tooth?
Use cold milk or saline, or hold it inside the cheek if there is no risk of swallowing it. Do not use water. Handle the crown only and keep the root surface moist.
Should I put the tooth back in?
For a permanent adult tooth, gently replacing it can be appropriate if you are confident and it goes in without force. Do not replant a baby tooth. If uncertain, store it in milk and seek urgent dental care.
Will root canal treatment be needed?
Root canal treatment is commonly required after a mature permanent tooth is replanted because its nerve and blood supply have been disrupted. Timing and follow-up are planned after examination.
What if the tooth cannot be replanted?
The immediate injury is treated first. Later replacement choices may include a dental implant, fixed bridge or removable prosthesis, depending on age, healing, bone, nearby teeth and budget.
Emergency appointments
Keep the tooth moist and arrange urgent care now.
Use online emergency booking at any time. During opening hours, call and tell the team it is a knocked-out permanent tooth so they can triage the appointment.