Time Is Everything
When a permanent tooth gets knocked out, the clock starts ticking. You have about 30 minutes for the best chance of successful reimplantation. After an hour, the odds drop significantly. Here's how to give your tooth the best chance of survival.
30 min
window for best reimplantation success
— American Association of Endodontists
Critical Steps
- Find the tooth immediately — every second counts
- Pick it up by the CROWN (white part) — never touch the root
- If dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline (NOT water or soap)
- Try to place it back in the socket gently (if you can)
- If you can't replant it, store in milk or between your cheek and gum
- Get to a dentist within 30 minutes if possible
💡Critical Tip
Don't scrub or clean the tooth. Don't let it dry out. Don't wrap it in tissue. The cells on the root need to stay alive and moist for reimplantation to work.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Sahil Patel, DDSGeneral Dentist
Compassionate dentist focused on preventive care and patient education.
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