DENTAL EMERGENCIES
What to Do If Your Child
Knocks Out a Tooth
Don't panic. The next 30 minutes matter more than you think -- and knowing what to do could save the tooth entirely.
Drs. Greg & Phil Wolkstein
Licensed Pediatric Dentists
June 2026
2 min read
Dental Emergency? Call us now: (408) 578-6550
We offer same-day emergency appointments for Wolkstein patients. If it's after hours, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do until we can see you.
It happens in a flash -- a fall off the playground equipment, a collision during soccer, a tumble down the porch steps. One moment everything is fine; the next, your child is crying and holding a tooth in their hand.
Take a breath. Whether the tooth can be saved depends largely on what you do in the next 30 minutes. Here's exactly what to do.
"A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. Speed matters -- teeth replanted within 30 minutes have the best chance of survival."
First: Is It a Baby Tooth or a Permanent Tooth?
This is the most important question, and the answer changes everything. Baby teeth should never be replanted -- doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. For a knocked-out baby tooth, keep your child calm, control any bleeding with clean gauze, and call us. We'll want to check for injuries to the surrounding tissue and permanent tooth bud, but there's no rush to replant.
For a permanent tooth, every minute counts. Follow the steps below immediately.
Step-by-Step: Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
1
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown
The crown is the white chewing surface -- never touch the root. The root contains cells that are critical for successful reimplantation.
2
Rinse gently -- do not scrub
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly under cold milk or saline. Plain water is acceptable if that's all you have. Do not use soap, alcohol, or paper towels.
3
Keep the tooth moist -- ideally, replant it
If your child is old enough not to swallow it, gently place the tooth back in its socket and have them hold it there. Otherwise, store it in a small container of cold milk or between your cheek and gum while you drive to the dentist.
4
Call us and get there within 30 minutes
Call (408) 578-6550 on the way. Teeth replanted within 30 minutes have the highest rate of long-term success. After an hour, chances of saving the tooth drop significantly.
Quick Reference: Do's and Don'ts
DO ✓ Handle the tooth by the crown only ✓ Store in cold milk or saline ✓ Try to replant if child is cooperative ✓ Call the dentist immediately ✓ Get to the office within 30 minutes
DON'T ✗ Touch or scrub the root ✗ Wrap in a dry paper towel ✗ Store in plain tap water ✗ Replant a baby tooth ✗ Wait and see -- act immediately
Prevention Is Still the Best Plan
For kids who play contact sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard is the single most effective way to prevent knocked-out teeth. Generic store-bought guards offer far less protection than a custom appliance made by your dentist. Ask us about mouthguards at your child's next visit.
And remember -- even if the tooth can't be saved, there are excellent options for restoring your child's smile. What matters most right now is staying calm, acting quickly, and calling us.
Dental Emergency? We're Here.
We offer same-day emergency appointments for children in San Jose. Don't wait -- call us immediately or book online.
Call (408) 578-6550
Book Online
TOPICS:
Dental Emergencies
Knocked-Out Tooth
Kids' Dental Health
Sports Dentistry
Mouthguards
San Jose Families
