Knocked out teeth (Avulsed) & management

Lost a tooth? Do not panic.

The first thing to ensure is that the patient is medically well and can retrieve the tooth.

If it is a baby, (deciduous tooth) do not try to reinsert it - Adelaide Dental Emergency recommends you leave it out and have your child assessed by an appropriately qualified dentist.

Adult teeth

If it is an adult tooth follow the guidelines of the Australian Dental Association, of which all dentists at Adelaide Dental Emergency are members:

  • Handle the tooth by the crown only
  • If the tooth is clean, then replant it in the socket immediately
  • If the tooth is dirty, clean it by - rinsing in milk, have the patient gently suck it, or rinse briefly in water [if you can't do either of the above]

Replant it in the socket as soon as possible. When replanting the tooth, use the other teeth as a guide, then have the patient hold the tooth in place with the fingers or by biting on a handkerchief.

If you are unable to replant the tooth, keep the tooth moist by [in order of preference]

  • submerging it in milk, or
  • sealing it in plastic wrap, or
  • placing it in the patient's mouth, next to the cheek [only if the patient is calm and under control]

If the tooth root appears fractured, then:

  • replant it in the socket, or
  • place it in milk or plastic wrap
  • seek immediate dental treatment - TIME IS CRITICAL

We recommend that you avoid the following actions:

  • Do not hold the tooth by the root surface
  • Do not scrape or rub the root surface
  • Do not let the tooth dry out
  • Do not rinse the tooth in water for more than a second or two
  • Do not store the tooth in water
  • Do not delay seeking dental treatment

If you have had one of your teeth knocked out every minute is critical.

Contact Adelaide Dental Emergency on 0407 111 117.