Knocked Out Tooth
Knocked Out Tooth Treatment in Beverly Hills, CA
A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, is one of the most alarming dental emergencies you can experience. Acting quickly and correctly can save your tooth, restore your smile, and prevent further complications. S&C Dental Beverly Hills offers Beverly Hills patients emergency dentistry for a knocked-out tooth. We’ll walk you through all you need to know, from immediate steps to professional treatments. Contact us if you have a dental emergency.

What Is a Knocked-Out Tooth?
A knocked-out tooth happens when it is completely dislodged from its socket due to trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or an accident. If not treated promptly, it can permanently damage your oral health, leading to complications like bone loss in the jaw or the need for costly restorative treatments. It’s important to know that the sooner we can reimplant the tooth, the better the chances of saving it. Ideally, the tooth should be placed back in the socket within 30 minutes for the best results.
Common Causes of Knocked-Out Teeth
A tooth is often knocked out in a traumatic way, but remaining calm is essential. We can help when you knock out a tooth, so it will be okay. Some of the common causes of knocked-out teeth include:
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football, hockey, or basketball often pose a risk of dental trauma, especially without proper protective gear like mouthguards.
- Falls and Accidents: Slipping, tripping, or falling can cause facial injuries, which may result in a knocked-out tooth.
- Car Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions can cause significant trauma to the face, potentially dislodging teeth.
- Physical Altercations: Fights or physical confrontations can directly impact the mouth, increasing the risk of losing a tooth.
- Biting Into Hard Objects: Chewing on hard foods, candy, or non-food items can put excessive pressure on teeth, sometimes causing them to dislodge.
- Workplace Injuries: Certain job environments, particularly those involving heavy machinery or physical labor, may pose a risk of dental injuries without proper precautions.
Steps to Take When a Tooth Is Knocked Out
We understand when a tooth is knocked out, it can be scary. The most important thing is to remain calm and take action. If you or someone you’re with ends up with a knocked-out tooth, follow these steps immediately:
1. Find and Handle the Tooth Carefully
Locate the tooth quickly. Time is of the essence.
Hold the tooth by the crown (the white, visible part), not the root, to avoid damaging it.
2. Assess the Tooth’s Condition
If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with clean water. Do not scrub or use soap, toothpaste, or other chemicals. Avoid drying the tooth or wrapping it in tissue.
3. Reinsert the Tooth (If Possible)
Try to place the tooth back into its socket in the correct orientation. Gently push it in and bite down on a clean cloth or handkerchief to hold it in place.
4. Store the Tooth in a Suitable Medium
If you can’t put the tooth back in, keep it moist. Place it in a container of milk, saline solution, or your own saliva. Avoid using water as it may harm the tooth.
5. Seek Immediate Dental Care
Call our dental office as soon as possible. We act quickly to help preserve your tooth.
Why Should You Place a Knocked-Out Tooth in Milk?
It is important to place a knocked-out tooth in milk. It might sound unusual, but submerging it in milk is the premier method for preserving a dislodged tooth until a dentist can reimplant it. The composition of milk helps sustain the periodontal ligaments, increasing the likelihood of successful reimplantation.

How Dentists Treat Knocked-Out Teeth
We act quickly when you knock out a tooth. Once you arrive at the dental clinic, the treatment process typically involves the following steps:
- Cleaning and Assessing the Tooth: We gently clean the tooth and check for damage. If reinsertion is possible, we carefully position it back into the socket.
- Splinting: The tooth is often splinted to the adjacent teeth using a special wire or composite material to keep it stable while the tissues heal. This splint is usually left in place for 1-2 weeks.
- X-rays and Follow-Up: Our dental team may take X-rays to confirm that the tooth is positioned correctly and to assess any underlying damage. We schedule follow-up visits to ensure the tooth is healing as expected.
What to Do If You Cannot Find a Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth fell out and cannot be located, it’s essential to remain calm and take immediate action. First, thoroughly check the surrounding area to ensure it is not stuck in clothing or hidden. If the tooth cannot be located, we can fill the space with one of the following:
- Denture: A denture is a removable prosthetic device customized to your mouth structure.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that fills gaps.
- Implant: A dental implant is screwed into your jawbone for a permanent solution.
What to Do If Your Tooth Breaks
We’re here for you if you didn’t knock out your tooth but chipped or broke it. Whether you have a broken tooth or a chipped back tooth, we can take care of it. If the tooth is not completely knocked out but is chipped, cracked, or broken:
- For a broken front tooth: If you can retrieve the fragment, store it in milk and take it to your dentist. They may be able to bond the fragment back to the tooth.
- For a chipped back tooth: Visit your dentist as soon as possible. They can smooth the chip or use a filling to restore the tooth’s integrity.
- Severe fractures (if nerves are exposed): These may require root canal treatment to alleviate sensitivity and prevent infection.
Knocking Out a Baby Tooth
When a baby tooth is knocked out, we usually do not reimplant it. Reimplanting it could negatively impact the developing grown-up tooth. If you knock out a baby tooth, we can assess the situation to determine our next steps.
Why Maintaining Oral Health Matters
Oral health is about more than a bright smile and healthy gums. By staying proactive with dental care, you preserve your oral health and safeguard your overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bigger health issues, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Strokes
- Respiratory infections
- Pregnancy complications
Preventing Tooth Injuries
Accidents happen, and teeth get knocked out during all types of activities. We provide the following tips to help reduce the risk of dental injuries:
- Wear Protective Gear: Use a mouthguard to shield your teeth from trauma during sports or other high-impact activities.
- Avoid Risky Behaviors: Do not use your teeth to open packages or bite on hard objects like ice or pens, as this can weaken or damage them.
- Maintain Good Oral Health: Strong, healthy teeth are less prone to injury. Brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to ensure your teeth and gums are in good condition.
- Be Cautious in High-Risk Environments: Exercise care when walking on slippery surfaces or engaging in activities where falls or collisions are more likely.
- Use Seat Belts and Safety Equipment: Always buckle up while driving and use helmets or other safety gear during activities that pose a risk of head and facial injuries.
Choose S&C Dental Beverly Hills for Emergency Dental Care?
S&C Dental Beverly Hills is your premier destination for exceptional oral health and dental care in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA. Our family dentistry, led by the esteemed Dr. Kayla Lebo, DDS, offers a wealth of experience and a personalized touch for patients of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re bringing in your child for their first dental check-up or seeking advanced care for yourself, rest assured, you are supported by a team utilizing the latest dental technology. From routine exams to emergency treatments, our fully equipped practice is ready to address both minor and complex oral health needs. We understand that stepping into a dentist’s office can be daunting, especially for new patients, which is why we greet everyone with a warm smile, ensuring a welcoming environment and a steadfast commitment to your dental health.
Contact Us Now for Your Dental Emergency
If you or a loved one experiences a knocked-out tooth or any other dental emergency, don’t wait hours to contact us. Acting fast can make all the difference. S&C Dental Beverly Hills works quickly to take care of your dental needs. We treat you with compassion and care to ensure a comfortable experience in our dental chair. Contact us immediately if you experience a knocked-out tooth.