Losing a tooth isn’t just something that happens to kids. Sports injuries, slips and falls, and unexpected vehicle collisions can knock out an adult tooth. When it happens, it’s easy to panic—but acting fast is key to saving your smile. So, the big question is: can you put a knocked-out tooth back in yourself? Sometimes. But you have to do it correctly, and time is critical. Here’s what you need to know to keep your tooth after it’s knocked out.
First, Handle Your Knocked-Out Tooth with Care
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root. Touching the root can damage the fragile cells needed to reattach the tooth successfully.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with clean water, but don’t scrub or use soap!
You Can Try to Reinsert the Tooth If You’re Quick
If your tooth is whole and not broken, and your mental state is conscious and calm, you can gently try to place the tooth back into the socket yourself. Here’s how:
- Gently orient the tooth so it’s facing the right way and push it into the socket.
- Once the tooth is planted, bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- Get to your dentist within 30 minutes to have the best chance of recovery.
- The sooner the tooth is back in place, the better the chances of saving it.
If You Can’t Replace It, Preserve It
If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, or if you find it too painful, store it properly and get to your dentist. Here’s a short list of what you could use:
- A container of milk
- Saliva (either in your cheek or a small container of spit)
- A tooth preservation kit, if available
Avoid keeping the tooth dry or putting it in tap water for long periods of time. This can damage the root of the tooth and make reimplantation impossible.
So, can you put a knocked-out tooth back in yourself? Yes, but only under the right circumstances. If you doubt your abilities, it’s always best to preserve the tooth and get to your dentist as fast as possible. Acting quickly could mean the difference between saving the tooth and losing it for good!
About the Author
Dr. Tracy D. Jenkins is a detail-focused dentist with a passion for delivering high-quality, comprehensive care. A graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry, he uses his skills and advanced training to help patients handle a variety of dental emergencies. With calm, effective solutions, your smile will be restored in no time. Call (208) 522-8061 to schedule an appointment at Discover Family Dental or visit our website to see a full menu of services.