What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth in West New York: An Emergency Guide
Oct 20, 2025
Acting Fast When a Tooth is Knocked Out
Experiencing a knocked out tooth emergency is a serious situation that requires immediate, calm, and correct action. Whether it happens during a sports game, a fall, or another accident, knowing the proper steps to take in the first few minutes can dramatically increase the chances of saving the tooth. As your trusted emergency dental team in West New York, Veda Family Dentistry wants you to be prepared. This guide outlines exactly what to do if you knock out a tooth to maximize the possibility of successful re-implantation by Dr. Priya or Dr. Moosavi.
The Critical First Steps: Handling and Preserving the Tooth
Time is of the essence when a permanent tooth is avulsed (knocked out). The periodontal ligament cells on the root surface begin to die quickly once they are out of the mouth. Follow these steps precisely:
Find the Tooth Immediately: Locate the tooth as quickly as possible.
Handle with Care: Pick the tooth up ONLY by the crown (the white chewing part). Do NOT touch the root. Touching the root can damage the vital cells needed for reattachment.
Clean Gently (If Necessary): If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly (10 seconds maximum) under cold running water or, preferably, milk or saline solution. Do NOT scrub, wipe, or use soap. Leave any attached tissue fragments intact.
Try to Reinsert (If Possible): This is the ideal scenario. Gently push the tooth back into its empty socket until it is level with the adjacent teeth. Have the person bite down gently on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
Keep it Moist: If re-insertion is not possible, the tooth must be kept moist. Place it immediately in a small container of cold milk. If milk isn't available, have the person hold the tooth inside their cheek (if they are old enough not to swallow it). Do NOT store it in plain water. A tooth preservation kit like Save-A-Tooth is also excellent.
Call Us Immediately: This is non-negotiable. Call Veda Family Dentistry at (201) 223-4444 right away. Inform us you have a knocked out tooth emergency and are on your way to our West New York office.
Professional Treatment: What We Do to Save the Tooth
When you arrive at our office, our team will act swiftly. Dr. Priya or Dr. Moosavi will assess the situation, managing any pain and examining the socket for damage. If you successfully reinserted the tooth, they will verify its position and stabilize it by splinting it to the adjacent teeth for several weeks while the ligaments heal. If the tooth was transported in milk, they will gently clean it and the socket before carefully re-implanting and splinting it. X-rays will be taken to check for any fractures in the root or surrounding bone. While the immediate goal is re-implantation, a knocked-out tooth often requires follow-up care, potentially including root canal therapy later, as the nerve supply is usually severed during the injury. We will monitor the tooth closely over the following weeks and months to ensure proper healing and address any complications. While saving the natural tooth is always the priority, if re-implantation is not successful, we will discuss excellent replacement options like dental implants.
Immediate Action for a Knocked Out Tooth in West New York
Knowing what to do if you knock out a tooth can save your smile. The most crucial step is seeking immediate professional help. Veda Family Dentistry prioritizes dental emergencies and is equipped to handle dental trauma with expertise and compassion. If you or a loved one experiences a knocked out tooth emergency in West New York, follow the steps above and call our office without delay. Let Dr. Priya and Dr. Moosavi provide the urgent care needed to give your tooth the best chance of survival.
