Tooth Avulsion 101: Know Your Next Steps
Your child is cruising down the sidewalk on their bike when—bam!—a sudden bump sends them forward, mouth-first into the handlebars. You rush over, check their mouth… and there it is. A tooth that’s loose—or worse, completely knocked out.
First of all, take a deep breath. A knocked out tooth (called a “tooth avulsion”) often happens during accidents like this—sports injuries, playground tumbles, or unexpected impacts. It’s one of the most stressful dental emergencies a parent (or anyone!) can face—but with quick thinking and the right care, there’s still a chance to save the tooth or restore the smile beautifully.
At Bass Dentistry, we’re here to guide you through what to do in the moment and what to expect after. Let’s walk through what happens when you experience a tooth avulsion and how restorative dentistry can help you move forward confidently.
What Is a Tooth Avulsion?
Tooth avulsion is a complete displacement of a tooth from its socket—often caused by trauma like a sports injury, fall, or accident. While it might feel overwhelming in the moment, it’s more common than you’d think—and how you respond can make all the difference.
It’s important to note that tooth avulsion differs from a tooth that’s simply wiggly or chipped. If you fully knock out a tooth, you’re in emergency territory, and the next few minutes matter.
What To Do Immediately After a Tooth is Knocked Out
If you or a loved one experiences a tooth loss, here’s what you need to do:
- Find the tooth—handling it by the crown (the chewing part), not the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it—ideally with saline or milk. Avoid scrubbing, scraping, or using soap. Try to skip plain water if possible, as it can damage the cells on the root surface. This makes it harder for the surrounding tissue to heal once the tooth is reimplanted.
- If possible, try to reinsert it into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze.
- If you can’t reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in milk or inside your cheek. For added preparedness, consider keeping a neutral storage solution like “Save-a-Tooth” in your first aid kit. These specially designed solutions preserve the vital cells on the tooth’s surface, increasing the chances of successful healing and reintegration.
- Call our office immediately at (704) 864-9949. We’ll talk you through your next steps and get you in as quickly as possible.
Timing is critical. If we can see you within 30–60 minutes, there’s a much better chance we can reattach the tooth successfully.
Can a Knocked Out Tooth Be Saved?
Sometimes, yes—and sometimes, no. Success depends on how long the tooth has been out, how it was stored, and your overall oral health. But even if the tooth can’t be reimplanted, you still have options. And even better news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Dr. Bass and her team are here to guide you with expert care and a personalized approach that fits your goals and lifestyle. Thanks to modern restorative dentistry, there are beautiful, long-lasting solutions that can replace a missing tooth and restore both your function and confidence.
Restorative Dentistry Options After Tooth Loss
Dental Implants
A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth. It consists of a titanium post inserted into the jawbone, topped with a custom crown. Implants are secure, long-lasting, and look completely natural—making them a fantastic option after tooth avulsion.
Bridges
A dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap to “anchor” a replacement tooth in place. They’re a good option for patients who aren’t candidates for implants or prefer a non-surgical approach.
Partial Dentures
Is more than one tooth missing? A removable partial denture can be a reliable and affordable solution that provides both function and appearance.
Tooth Bonding
In rare cases where only part of the tooth is broken and not fully avulsed, bonding may be an option to restore its look and shape using tooth-colored resin.
Compassionate Care
When You Need It Most
Tooth avulsion can be painful, scary, and emotional, but we want you to know this: You’re not just a set of teeth to us. We understand how much your smile impacts your daily life, and we’re here to help you feel seen, supported, and taken care of—whether you’ve just lost a tooth or need help rebuilding from one you lost long ago.
Ready to take the first step in healing after tooth loss? Book your consultation with us today and experience true restorative dentistry. We’re always here when you need us!
