Emergency Dentistry
Knocked-Out Tooth
Immediate care gives the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth. We provide prompt, expert treatment in Elgin, IL to protect your smile and restore your oral health.
Same-day emergency visits
We’ll see you quickly when you need urgent care.
Best chance of saving your tooth
The sooner you’re treated, the better the outcome.
Compassionate, experienced team
We’re here to help you through dental emergencies with care.
About Knocked-Out Teeth
What is a knocked-out tooth?
A knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth) is completely removed from its socket due to trauma or injury. This can happen from a sports injury, fall, or accident. Quick action is critical — the best chance of saving the tooth is to seek dental care within 30–60 minutes.
Common causes include:
- Sports injuries
- Falls or accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Physical trauma
- Contact sports
- Biting down on something hard
- Violence or facial injury
Our Approach
Fast action. The best possible outcome.
Our team will examine your injury, determine if the tooth can be saved, and create a treatment plan to restore your smile and prevent future problems.
Prompt Evaluation
We’ll examine the tooth and assess if it can be reimplanted or if another solution is needed.
Expert Treatment
We’ll carefully place the tooth back in its socket if possible and stabilize it.
Follow-Up Care
We’ll monitor healing and recommend additional treatment if needed.
Treatment Options
Saving and restoring your tooth.
The right treatment depends on how quickly you receive care and the condition of the tooth. Our team may recommend one or more of the following:
- Reimplantation of the natural tooth
- Stabilization with a splint
- Root canal treatment after reimplantation
- Dental crown for protection and strength
- Tooth replacement options if the tooth cannot be saved
What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
Take action right away.
Quick action can make a big difference. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, time is critical. Follow these steps and contact us immediately for emergency care.
What to do:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
- If dirty, gently rinse with water (do not scrub).
- Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible.
- If you can’t, keep the tooth in milk or a saline solution.
- Get to our office as quickly as possible — ideally within 30–60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Often, if it is a permanent tooth and you get care quickly, ideally within 30–60 minutes, and the tooth is kept moist. The sooner you are seen, the better the chance.
What should I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
Pick it up by the crown, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to put it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it in milk or saline and call us right away at (847) 289-9900. Baby teeth should not be put back in; call us for advice.
What if I can’t find the tooth?
Call us anyway. We’ll examine the area, check for any fragments or other injuries, and talk through tooth replacement options if needed.
What happens if I don’t get treatment right away?
The longer a tooth is out of its socket, the lower the chance it can be saved. Untreated injuries can also lead to infection or shifting teeth.