Knocked-Out Tooth: Emergency Dental Care in Leicester
A knocked-out tooth is one of the few true dental emergencies — and what you do in the first hour can be the difference between saving the tooth and losing it for good. If an adult (permanent) tooth has been completely knocked out, time is critical: the sooner it's back in place, the better the chance it survives. This page gives you the exact steps to take right now, followed by what happens next. If you're dealing with this at this moment, act on the steps below first and call us straightaway on 0116 4030109.
First, Act Fast — What to Do Right Now
Treat a fully knocked-out adult tooth as an emergency and aim to be seen within 30 to 60 minutes. The steps below give the tooth its best chance while you get to us.
Pick the Tooth Up by the Crown, Not the Root
Hold the tooth by the crown — the white part you normally see — never by the root. The root surface carries delicate cells that help it reattach, and touching or wiping them away sharply reduces the chance of success.
Don't Scrub It — Rinse Gently Only
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk, or in saline or clean water for no more than a few seconds. Do not scrub it, use soap, or wrap it in tissue — you want to keep those root cells alive, not clean them off.
Try to Put It Back In Its Socket
If you can, gently reposition the tooth into its socket the right way round and hold it in place by biting softly on a clean cloth. A tooth kept in its natural socket has the best possible chance of survival. Never attempt this with a child's baby tooth.
If You Can't Reinsert It, Keep It in Milk
If reinserting isn't possible, pop the tooth in a cup of milk — it keeps the root cells alive far better than water. Holding it inside the cheek (for an adult who won't swallow it) also works. The key is to keep it moist at all times; a tooth left to dry out is much harder to save.
Come Straight to Us
Get to the practice as quickly as you can, bringing the tooth with you. Call ahead on 0116 4030109 so we're ready for you. Every minute counts, so don't wait to see if it settles.
Is It Always an Emergency?
For a fully knocked-out permanent tooth, yes — treat it as urgent every time. A knocked-out baby tooth, however, should not be put back, as doing so can damage the developing adult tooth underneath; it still warrants a call, but it isn't handled the same way. And if a tooth is loosened, pushed out of position or partly dislodged rather than fully out, that's also urgent — leave it where it is and contact us quickly rather than wiggling it. When you phone, describe what's happened and we'll guide you on the spot.
What Causes a Tooth to Get Knocked Out?
Most knocked-out teeth come from sudden trauma — a fall, a sporting collision, a cycling or car accident, or an unexpected knock to the face. Contact sports are a common culprit, which is why a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the smartest investments if you or your children play them. Weakened teeth, from advanced gum disease or large untreated decay, can also come out more easily than healthy ones. Understanding the cause matters for prevention, but at the moment, the priority is always the steps above.
What Happens When You Reach Us
When you arrive, we'll work quickly to give the tooth the best chance. If it's already been reinserted, we'll check its position and usually splint it — bonding it gently to the neighbouring teeth for a couple of weeks so it can stabilise and reattach. If you've brought the tooth in milk, we'll clean and reposition it where possible. We'll assess for any other damage to the surrounding teeth, gums and bone, take X-rays, and explain what to expect next, including any follow-up such as root canal treatment, which is often needed once a replanted tooth has settled. If the tooth genuinely can't be saved, we'll talk you through replacement options like an implant or bridge — but our first goal is always to save your own tooth.
Knocked Out a Tooth? Call Us Now
If an adult tooth has been knocked out, don't wait — the first hour is precious. Follow the first-aid steps above, keep the tooth moist in milk or its socket, and get to us as fast as you safely can.
Call our Leicester team immediately on 0116 4030109 and tell us you have a knocked-out tooth — we'll prioritise you and prepare for your arrival. Same-day emergency appointments are available, with our emergency assessment from £55. If it's outside our opening hours and you can't reach us, go to your nearest A&E or call NHS 111.
