What to do right now
1. Find tooth, pick up by crown only (not the root)
2. Gently rinse with milk or saline for under 5 seconds
3. Try to re-insert into the socket, bite on clean gauze
4. If can't re-insert, store in milk (or saliva as second best)
5. Call us now — 30-minute window to save the tooth
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to save a knocked-out tooth?
About 30 minutes is the critical window. After 60 minutes, the periodontal ligament cells on the root have mostly died and re-implantation is unlikely to succeed. Store the tooth in milk (preferred), saline, or your saliva to extend the window slightly — never in tap water for more than 5 seconds and never dry.
Can I put the knocked-out tooth back in myself?
Yes — gently push it back into the socket by holding only the crown (white part). Bite on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place. If it won't go in easily, do not force it; put it in milk and come to us. Self-re-insertion within minutes is the best-case scenario.
Should I put a knocked-out baby tooth back?
No. Never re-insert a baby tooth — this can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Bring it in so we can evaluate the socket and surrounding teeth, but do not push a baby tooth back in the socket.
What if I can't get to the dentist within 30 minutes?
Keep trying. Call us immediately at 480-331-4955. If after hours, go to an emergency room or urgent care. If re-implantation fails due to delay, the options are a dental implant, a bridge, or a partial — we can discuss all of these.
Will my knocked-out tooth need a root canal?
Often yes, even with successful re-implantation. The trauma typically kills the nerve inside the tooth, which can lead to infection if left untreated. We monitor for nerve health at your follow-up visits and perform a root canal if needed — usually 2-6 weeks after re-implantation.
How much does emergency re-implantation cost?
Emergency exam + X-ray: -. Re-implantation + splinting: -. If a root canal is later needed: ,000-,500. We verify insurance on the phone. Without insurance, most same-day emergency stabilization runs -, with any subsequent treatment billed separately.