Cal Dental Group · Patient guide
A knocked-out adult tooth cannot wait.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Michael Issakharian, DDS
A knocked-out permanent tooth needs immediate dental attention. Handle it by the crown and keep it moist. Do not reinsert a baby tooth. If you are unsure which type of tooth was lost, get immediate dental advice.
Call to confirm an appointment before visiting.
936 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 101 · Los Angeles, CA 90019
Medical emergency? Call 911 for trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a life-threatening injury. Difficulty swallowing or swelling spreading toward the eye or neck needs emergency medical care. Do not wait for a dental appointment.
Five steps for a knocked-out permanent tooth
Call for help while someone assists with the tooth if possible. Do not spend time finishing an online checklist before arranging care. See Cal Dental Group’s emergency dental appointment information or call 323-934-2804. If timely care is unavailable here, seek another available emergency dentist immediately.
- Pick up the tooth by its crown. Hold the part normally visible above the gum; avoid touching the root.
- Rinse gently if it is dirty. Use a brief water rinse. Do not scrub, disinfect, dry, or wrap the tooth in tissue.
- Reposition only when safe. For a permanent tooth, gently place it back in its socket if possible. Never force it. Do not attempt this if the person cannot safely cooperate or could choke.
- Keep it moist. If it cannot be safely reinserted, place it in milk or a tooth-preservation product. Do not leave it dry or store it in plain tap water.
- Get to a dentist immediately. Bring the tooth. The American Association of Endodontists recommends care within 30 minutes when possible; still seek help if more time has passed.
If a baby tooth is knocked out
Do not put it back into the socket. Contact a dentist immediately for advice about the injury and the developing adult tooth. Bring the tooth if you have it, and tell the clinician the child’s age and exactly what happened. Do not make a young child hold a loose tooth inside their mouth.
Information that helps the treating dentist
Note the time of the accident, how long the tooth was out, and how it was stored. Report any head impact, loss of consciousness, vomiting, unusual sleepiness, or other injury to the medical team. A serious head or facial injury takes priority and may need emergency medical care.
What happens after the immediate visit?
The dentist checks the tooth, socket, neighboring teeth, and supporting tissues. Ask whether stabilization, additional treatment, or follow-up visits are needed. Replantation is not always possible or successful; the examination is necessary before the team can explain the outlook.
Before leaving, ask for written instructions about eating, cleaning, activity, medicines, and when to return. If the tooth was broken but remained in place, our chipped and cracked tooth guide addresses that different situation.
Your next step
Arrange a dental assessment
Call 323-934-2804 and describe your symptoms, when they began, and any recent treatment or injury.
Emergency dentistry in Los Angeles →
Same-day and after-hours appointments depend on availability. Follow the telephone instructions if you call outside regular hours.
Questions about knocked-out tooth
Should I wait until morning for a knocked-out adult tooth?
No. Seek immediate dental care. Confirm that an office can receive you, and seek another available emergency provider if needed.
What if I cannot find the tooth?
You still need prompt evaluation. Tell the dentist what happened and whether the tooth may have been swallowed or inhaled. Trouble breathing requires 911.
Can a tooth still be assessed after more than an hour?
Yes. Seek care even after a delay. The dentist needs to assess the injury and explain the options rather than assuming the tooth is beyond help.
Explore related concerns
More emergency dental guides
Patient education from Cal Dental Group. Updated October 21, 2026. Meet our dentists and specialists.
General information cannot diagnose a dental problem or replace an examination. Follow instructions from your treating clinician.
Further reading: American Association of Endodontists: knocked-out teeth · ADA: dental emergencies
Need help with an urgent dental concern?
Call Cal Dental Group to discuss symptoms and confirm the next available appointment.