A knocked-out tooth (also called an avulsed tooth) is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. If treated within 30 to 60 minutes, there’s a high chance the tooth can be saved and reimplanted successfully. However, fast action is crucial!
At Luxadent in Houston, Dr. Triana and Dr. Perez provide same-day emergency dental care to help patients recover from dental trauma. Follow these essential steps to increase the chances of saving your tooth.
What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Is Knocked Out
If your tooth gets knocked out, stay calm and follow these steps:
1. Locate the Tooth and Pick It Up by the Crown
- Find the knocked-out tooth immediately.
- Do not touch the root—only hold the tooth by the crown (the top part that’s visible when you smile).
- Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or wrapping the tooth in tissue or fabric.
2. Rinse the Tooth Gently (If Needed)
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with lukewarm water for no more than 10 seconds.
- Do not use soap, chemicals, or disinfectants—just water.
3. Try to Reinsert the Tooth (If Possible)
- If the tooth is whole and undamaged, carefully place it back into the socket.
- Hold it in place by biting down on gauze or a clean cloth.
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, move to the next step.
4. Keep the Tooth Moist
- If you cannot place it back in the socket, store the tooth in one of the following:
- A small container of milk (best option).
- Saliva (place the tooth inside your cheek if possible).
- A tooth preservation kit (available at pharmacies).
- Do NOT store the tooth in water—it can damage root cells and lower the chances of successful reimplantation.
5. Get to an Emergency Dentist ASAP
- A knocked-out tooth has the highest chance of being saved if reimplanted within 30-60 minutes.
- Call Luxadent at 832-462-6484 for immediate emergency care.
What If the Tooth Is Broken or Missing a Piece?
If the tooth is partially broken or missing a piece, follow these steps:
- Save any broken fragments and bring them to the dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
What If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out?
- Do NOT try to reinsert a baby tooth—this can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
- Call a pediatric dentist or emergency dentist for evaluation.
Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?
Yes! If you follow the steps above and seek immediate dental care, your natural tooth can often be reimplanted and stabilized. The dentist will:
- Assess the condition of the tooth and socket.
- Reinsert the tooth and secure it with a splint for healing.
- Perform a root canal (if needed) to prevent infection.
- Monitor healing over the next few weeks to months.
If the tooth cannot be saved, we offer tooth replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.
Emergency Tooth Replacement Options
If your natural tooth cannot be reinserted, here are long-term solutions:
| Tooth Replacement Option | Average Cost | Lifespan | Looks Natural? |
| Dental Implant | $3,500 – $7,500 | Lifetime | Yes |
| Dental Bridge | $2,000 – $5,000 | 10-15 years | Yes |
| Partial Denture | $1,500 – $3,000 | 5-10 years | Yes, but removable |
Cost of Emergency Tooth Repair in Houston
The cost of treatment depends on whether the tooth can be saved or if replacement is needed.
- Emergency Exam & X-ray: $75 – $150
- Tooth Reimplantation & Splinting: $500 – $1,500
- Root Canal (if needed): $1,000 – $1,800
- Dental Implant (if tooth can’t be saved): $3,500 – $7,500
At Luxadent, we accept most dental insurance plans and offer payment plans to help cover unexpected dental costs.
How to Prevent Knocked-Out Teeth
While accidents happen, you can reduce the risk of losing a tooth by:
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects (ice, pens, hard candy).
- Practicing good oral hygiene to keep teeth strong.
- Getting regular dental checkups to detect and treat weak teeth early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
A: A missing tooth can cause bone loss, shifting of surrounding teeth, and difficulty chewing. It’s best to replace it as soon as possible.
Q: Can I save a tooth that’s been out for more than an hour?
A: It’s possible, but the success rate drops significantly after 60 minutes. Even if the tooth cannot be saved, an emergency dentist can provide the best alternative solution.
Q: Can a knocked-out tooth heal on its own?
A: No. A lost tooth must be professionally reimplanted. If left untreated, the socket will close, and replacement options will be needed.
Q: Will a reimplanted tooth need a root canal?
A: In most cases, yes. A root canal is performed after stabilization to remove any damaged nerve tissue and prevent infection.
Q: Does a knocked-out tooth hurt?
A: Not always. Some patients feel shock or numbness initially, but pain may develop as the nerves become exposed.
Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Houston – Call Luxadent Now!
If you’ve lost a tooth, every minute counts. Dr. Triana and Dr. Perez at Luxadent provide immediate emergency care to help save your tooth or offer the best replacement options.Don’t wait—call Luxadent now for emergency dental care!