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Frequently Asked Questions
+What should I do immediately if my tooth has been knocked out?
The first few minutes after a tooth is knocked out are extremely important. If possible, carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (the white chewing surface), not the root. Touching or scrubbing the root may damage the delicate cells that are needed for successful healing. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with clean milk or saline solution. If neither is available, a quick rinse with clean water is acceptable, but avoid prolonged washing or using soap. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket immediately and gently bite on a clean cloth or gauze to keep it in position. If this isn't possible, keep the tooth moist by storing it in: Cold milk, Saline solution, Your own saliva (inside the cheek if appropriate). Avoid storing the tooth in tissue, a dry container or plain tap water for extended periods, as this can reduce the chance of saving the tooth. Most importantly, seek emergency dental treatment as soon as possible.
+Can a knocked out tooth be saved?
In many cases, yes—but timing is critical. The highest success rates are achieved when the tooth is replanted within the first 30 to 60 minutes after the injury. As time passes, the living cells attached to the root surface begin to die, reducing the likelihood of successful healing. However, this does not mean there is no hope after an hour. Every injury is different, and we still encourage patients to contact us immediately, even if some time has passed since the accident. When you arrive, our team will carefully examine the tooth, surrounding tissues and supporting bone before determining the most appropriate course of treatment.
+Should I try putting the tooth back into the socket myself?
If it is an adult tooth and you are able to do so safely, replacing the tooth immediately can improve the chances of saving it. However, it is important to ensure the tooth is facing the correct direction and is inserted gently without forcing it into place. If you're unsure or unable to reinsert the tooth, don't panic. Simply keep it moist using milk or saline and come to the dental clinic as quickly as possible. Never attempt to force a tooth back into place if you are uncertain, as this may cause further damage.
+What if my child's baby tooth has been knocked out?
A knocked out baby tooth is managed differently from a permanent adult tooth. In most cases, baby teeth should not be replanted, as doing so may damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Even if your child appears comfortable, it is still important to arrange an examination. Our dentists will assess: Whether other teeth have been injured, Damage to the surrounding gums or jaw, Whether fragments remain in the socket, The effect on the developing permanent tooth. Children often recover remarkably well following dental injuries, but professional assessment helps ensure there are no hidden complications.
+What happens if the tooth has been out for more than an hour?
Although the chances of successfully saving the tooth decrease over time, you should still seek emergency dental care immediately. Every dental injury is different, and factors such as how the tooth was stored, the patient's age and the condition of the surrounding tissues all influence the outcome. Even if reimplantation is no longer possible, prompt treatment allows our dentists to: Assess damage to nearby teeth, Treat soft tissue injuries, Reduce the risk of infection, Discuss options for replacing the missing tooth, Plan future restorative treatment if required. Early treatment almost always provides better long-term outcomes than delaying care.
+My tooth isn't completely out, but it has moved. Is that still an emergency?
Yes. A tooth that has been pushed sideways, loosened or partially displaced has usually suffered trauma to the supporting tissues. Although the tooth remains in the mouth, prompt assessment is important to determine whether it can be repositioned and stabilised before further complications develop. Waiting several days may reduce the likelihood of preserving the tooth successfully.
+What will happen during my emergency appointment?
Our first priority is to assess the extent of your injury and relieve any immediate discomfort. Depending on your situation, treatment may include: Examining the injured tooth and surrounding teeth, Taking dental X-rays, Repositioning the tooth where appropriate, Splinting the tooth to neighbouring teeth, Treating damaged soft tissues, Discussing follow-up care and monitoring. Every dental injury is unique, so your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual circumstances.
+How can I reduce the risk of knocking out a tooth?
While accidents cannot always be prevented, there are several ways to reduce the risk of serious dental injuries. These include: Wearing a professionally fitted mouthguard during contact sports, Using appropriate protective equipment during recreational activities, Ensuring children's play areas are as safe as possible, Wearing seatbelts correctly while travelling, Seeking treatment if you have teeth that are already weakened or loose. Preventative measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of severe dental trauma.
+Why choose Melbourne Dental Family Care for emergency treatment after a knocked out tooth?
Dental emergencies can be stressful, particularly when they happen unexpectedly. Having an experienced dental team assess the injury promptly can make an important difference to the long-term outcome. At Melbourne Dental Family Care, our dental team provides compassionate emergency dental care with a focus on preserving your natural teeth wherever possible. We carefully assess every injury, explain your treatment options clearly and provide personalised care based on the extent of the trauma. Whether your tooth has been completely knocked out, partially displaced or damaged during an accident, our team is committed to providing prompt, professional treatment to help restore both your oral health and your confidence.
