Knocked-out tooth: the first hour matters most

By the Berala Dental clinical team. Educational information only — this article is general information and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please book a consultation to discuss your individual needs.

A knocked-out (avulsed) adult tooth is a dental emergency — act within the first 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving it. Pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it if dirty, and ideally place it back in the socket; if you can't, keep it in milk and get to a dentist immediately. Call us straight away — we offer same-day emergency care Monday to Saturday.

What to do with a knocked-out tooth, step by step

1. Stay calm and find the tooth. Handle it by the white crown only — never touch the root.
2. If it's dirty, rinse briefly. Use milk or saline if you can, or water for a few seconds. Don't scrub it or use soap, and don't dry it.
3. Try to reinsert it. For an adult tooth, gently place it back into the socket the right way around and bite softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
4. If you can't reinsert it, store it properly. Keep it moist in milk. Holding it inside the cheek can work for an adult who won't swallow it. Avoid plain water for storage.
5. Call us immediately and head in. Time is critical — see our emergency page.

What not to do

• Don't hold or scrub the root — the delicate cells on it help the tooth re-attach.
• Don't let the tooth dry out.
• Don't wrap it in a tissue for the journey.
• Don't try to force a baby tooth back in (see below).

Adult tooth vs baby tooth

The advice above is for adult (permanent) teeth. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back in, as that can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. If your child has knocked out a baby tooth, keep them calm, manage any bleeding with gentle pressure, and call us for advice.

Why does timing matter so much?

An adult tooth has the best chance of survival when it's reinserted or properly stored quickly and seen by a dentist promptly. The longer it's out and dry, the lower the chance of saving it — which is why the first hour is so important. Even if some time has passed, still bring the tooth; it's worth letting us assess it.

How we help in an emergency

We keep room for urgent problems and offer same-day emergency appointments Monday to Saturday. When you call, tell us it's a knocked-out tooth so we can give you first-aid guidance and get you seen as quickly as possible.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to save a knocked-out tooth?

The first 30 to 60 minutes give the best chance, especially if the tooth is reinserted or kept moist in milk. Sooner is always better, so call and come in straight away.

What's the best thing to store a knocked-out tooth in?

Milk is a widely recommended, easy option. Saliva (inside the cheek for an adult) can also work. Avoid storing it in plain water for any length of time.

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved hours later?

The odds drop the longer it's out and dry, but it's still worth bringing the tooth so we can assess your options. Don't assume it's too late — let us check.

My child knocked out a baby tooth — what do I do?

Don't reinsert a baby tooth. Keep your child calm, control bleeding with gentle pressure on clean gauze, and call us for advice.

Get urgent help now

If you've knocked out a tooth, call us right away on (02) 9649 6468, click our WhatsApp to chat now: message Berala Dental on WhatsApp, or see our emergency page. Same-day emergency care available Monday to Saturday.

We review this article periodically so the information stays current for 2026.