Knocked-out tooth: act now

Adult (permanent) tooth: do this now

1. Pick it up by the crown (the white part). Don’t touch the root.
2. If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or cold running water for a few seconds. Don’t scrub it, and don’t use soap.
3. Push it back into the socket the right way round, if you can. Bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it.
4. If you can’t put it back, keep it in milk, or in the person’s own saliva inside their cheek (not for young children, who might swallow it). Don’t let it dry out, and don’t store it in water.
5. Call 0121 582 4557 straight away and come in. If we can’t answer, go to A&E or call NHS 111. Time matters most.

Baby teeth

Don’t put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. It can damage the adult tooth growing underneath. Do get the child checked. See children’s dental injuries.

What we do

We check the tooth and socket, re-position the tooth if needed, and splint it to the teeth next to it for a couple of weeks. We may take an X-ray. Re-implanted teeth often need root canal treatment later, and we’ll follow it up with you.

Cost: the emergency consultation is £54. If you need treatment, we tell you the price before we start, and nothing is done without your agreement. All fees are on our prices page, taken from The Dentist West Midlands’ price list.