What to Do If Your Tooth Falls Out: A Dentist Explains the Right Way to Save It

What to Do If Your Tooth Falls Out: A Dentist Explains the Right Way to Save It

A tooth falling out is one of the most alarming dental emergencies you can experience. Whether it happens during sports, an accident, or a sudden impact, what you do in the first few minutes can determine whether the tooth can be saved.

In this video, a doctor reacts to a tooth falling out and explains the correct, evidence-based steps you should take immediately to give that tooth the best chance of being put back successfully.

First: Do NOT Grab the Tooth by the Root

If a tooth falls out completely (this is called an avulsed tooth), the most important rule is this:

Do not touch the root.

The root is covered in delicate cells that help the tooth reattach to the bone. Touching, scrubbing, or wiping the root can damage these cells and dramatically reduce the chances of saving the tooth.

What to do instead:

• Pick the tooth up by the crown only (the part you normally see in your mouth)

• Do not scrub or clean the root

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Keep the Tooth Moist — Never Let It Dry Out

A dry tooth is a dying tooth. Once it dries out, the survival rate drops quickly.

If possible, you have two good options:

Option 1: Put the Tooth in Milk

Milk helps preserve the root cells and is one of the safest transport solutions if the tooth can’t go back in right away.

Option 2: Place the Tooth in Your Mouth

If you’re conscious and able to do so safely, you can gently place the tooth in your mouth, between your cheek and gums, to keep it moist.

Avoid:

• Water (it can damage root cells)

• Paper towels or tissues

• Letting the tooth sit out in open air

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Get to a Dentist Immediately

Time is critical.

The best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth is within 30–60 minutes. The sooner a dentist can reposition and stabilize the tooth, the better the long-term outcome.

Do not wait to “see if it feels better.”Do not delay until the next day.

This is a true dental emergency.

Can a Tooth Be Put Back In?

Yes — if handled correctly and treated quickly, many knocked-out teeth can be successfully replanted and stabilized by a dentist.

Success depends on:

• How the tooth was handled

• How long it was out of the mouth

• Whether the root cells were protected

• How quickly you reached professional care

Final Advice From a Dentist

If your tooth falls out:

1. Stay calm

2. Handle it by the crown, not the root

3. Keep it moist (milk or mouth)

4. Get to a dentist immediately

Those four steps can make the difference between saving your natural tooth and needing long-term dental treatment.

If you ever experience this situation, don’t guess — act fast and get professional care right away.

Professional Guidance Can Help

Our dental office is located at 27871 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, where preventive care and personalized guidance are part of routine dental visits.