Quick Action Can Save Your Smile
Dental emergencies happen when you least expect them—on the sports field, during a fall, or even while enjoying a meal. One of the most serious dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth (dental avulsion). Acting fast and following the right steps can make the difference between saving your natural tooth or needing a replacement such as a dental implant or bridge. At Timber Ridge Dental, our mission is to keep our patients prepared for these situations. Here’s what you need to know.At Timber Ridge Dental, our mission is to keep our patients prepared for these situations. Here’s what you need to know.
First Steps After a Tooth Is Knocked Out
If you or a loved one loses a tooth, follow these steps immediately:
- Handle the tooth by the crown — never touch the root.
- Handle the tooth by the crown — never touch the root.
- Rinse it gently with water — avoid scrubbing or using soap.
- Reinsert the tooth if possible — place it gently back into the socket and bite down softly on clean gauze.
- Keep the tooth moist — if reinsertion isn’t possible, place it in:
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A glass of milk
A tooth preservation kit (like Save-a-Tooth)
Your own saliva (inside your cheek)
Avoid storing the tooth in plain water for extended periods as this can damage root cells.
Why Time Matters in Dental Emergencies
A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of survival if it is replaced within 30–60 minutes. The sooner you reach an emergency dentist, the more likely it is that we can save your natural smile.
At Timber Ridge Dental, we prioritize urgent dental care and will do everything possible to see you the same day when a dental emergency occurs.
How Timber Ridge Dental Helps During Emergencies
- Our team has years of experience treating tooth avulsions, fractures, and other urgent dental injuries.
- We use modern technology and techniques to increase the chance of saving your natural teeth.
- We understand that emergencies are stressful, so our staff is trained to provide gentle, compassionate care that keeps you comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Preventing Dental Injuries
While accidents can’t always be avoided, a few simple habits can reduce your risk:
- Wear a custom mouthguard during sports and physical activity.
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, and hard candies.
- Take extra care during outdoor activities where slips and falls are common.
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Regular checkups with your family dentist also help protect your teeth by catching small problems before they become big ones.
What Happens Next: Treatment & Follow-Up
- If the tooth is successfully reimplanted, follow-up care is essential. A root canal treatment may be needed later to ensure long-term success.
- If the tooth can’t be saved, our dentists may recommend dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures to restore your smile.
Making Emergency Care Accessible
We know dental emergencies can be overwhelming both physically and financially. At Timber Ridge Dental:
- We accept most major dental insurance plans.
- Flexible payment plans may be available to help manage unexpected costs.
- Our priority is ensuring you get the urgent care you need without delay.
Emergency Dental Care You Can Trust
If you or your child experiences a knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, or any other dental emergency, don’t wait—every minute counts. Call Timber Ridge Dental right away or visit timberridgedental.ca to contact our team. We are here to provide the emergency dentistry, urgent care, and compassionate support you can trust.
Quick FAQs About Knocked-Out Teeth
1. Can a dentist put a knocked-out tooth back in?
Yes—if you get to an emergency dentist within 30–60 minutes.
2. What if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Do not reinsert it. Call your family dentist for guidance.
3. How should I store a knocked-out tooth?
Keep it moist in milk, a tooth preservation kit, or saliva.
4. Will I need a root canal?
Often yes, after reimplantation, to protect the tooth.
5. What if the tooth can’t be saved?
Dental implants, bridges, or dentures are options.
