A permanent tooth has been knocked out: what should you do before the dentist?

After a severe blow to the head, a serious accident, loss of consciousness or vomiting, call 15 or 112 in France. A knocked-out tooth needs an emergency dentist. For a permanent tooth, the best results occur when reimplantation takes place in less than twenty minutes: seek care as quickly as possible.

Find the tooth and hold it by the crown, the visible part covered in enamel, never by the root. If it is dirty, rinse it very briefly under running water without rubbing it. Do not remove or damage the tissue attached to the root.

Only a tooth that is definitely permanent may be gently put back into its socket, after rinsing the mouth with water, without forcing it. Do not try to replace a baby tooth, a tooth whose type is uncertain, or a tooth that cannot be put back because of an obstruction.

When the tooth cannot be put back, keep it in milk or, if milk is unavailable, in physiological saline while waiting for the dentist. Do not keep it dry or in ice: these conditions can damage the tissue needed for reimplantation.

For bleeding from the mouth after this injury, Ameli describes applying pressure by having the person bite on sterile gauze folded into four layers or a clean paper tissue. This accompanies urgent care for the knocked-out tooth; it does not replace the dental consultation.

The dentist may reimplant and stabilise the tooth, then check its vitality and look for inflammation or infection in the following days. Later checks also monitor the root: care continues after the initial procedure.