An avulsed tooth is a tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket, often due to trauma or injury. It is a dental emergency because the tooth may be able to be saved if it is handled correctly and replanted within a short period of time, typically 30–60 minutes. Storing the tooth in milk, saline, or the mouth, and getting immediate dental care increases the likelihood of successful reimplantation.
What to do immediately to save an avulsed tooth
Handle the tooth gently: Pick the tooth up by its crown (the portion normally visible in the mouth), not the root
Rinse the tooth (if necessary): If the tooth is dirty, do not scrub or wash it. If it needs rinsing, use water or saline
Store the tooth: Place the tooth in a container of milk or saline or in your mouth (cheek) between your teeth and cheek, but do not swallow it
Visit the dentist immediately: The chance of saving the tooth decreases with the time that it is out of the mouth
At the Dental Emergency Cheadle, we provide urgent care for avulsed teeth for patients across Manchester, Stockport, and Wilmslow. Quick action often allows the tooth to be re-implanted successfully.