Health & First Aid
Knocked-out permanent tooth: what to do?
Knocked-out permanent tooth: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.
Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Updated octobre 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Immediate actions
- 1 Hold the tooth by the crown, never the root.
- 2 Rinse gently without scrubbing.
- 3 Store it in milk, saline or in the cheek.
- 4 See a dentist within one hour for replantation.
What not to do / warning
A replanted tooth within 60 minutes has the best survival chance.
When a knocked-out permanent tooth happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.
What to do right now
- Hold the tooth by the crown, never the root.
- Rinse gently without scrubbing.
- Store it in milk, saline or in the cheek.
- See a dentist within one hour for replantation.
Mistakes to avoid
- Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
- Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
- Following unverified advice from random websites.
How to prevent this in the future
Regular checks, keeping emergency numbers visible and preparing an essentials kit go a long way. Save this guide for offline access.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?
Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or begin the official procedure.
When should I call emergency services?
Whenever life, serious injury or fire is involved. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather check than miss an emergency.
Sources & references
- American Dental Association (https://www.ada.org/)