Is It Possible to Pop a Knocked Out Tooth Back In?

Every year, over five million people experience a knocked-out tooth, from playground accidents to sports injuries or unexpected falls. If this happens to you or someone nearby, it’s natural to wonder if the tooth can be placed back into the socket immediately.

While prompt action can make a big difference, it’s important to understand what to do—and what not to do—to give the tooth the best chance of being saved.

Immediate Steps After a Tooth is Knocked Out

The first and most critical step is to remain calm. Time is a major factor in saving a knocked-out tooth, ideally within 30 minutes to one hour after the injury. Before attempting any re-insertion, rinse the tooth gently with water to remove dirt, but avoid scrubbing it or removing any tissue fragments attached to the root.

If possible, handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) rather than the root to prevent damage to the delicate cells needed for reattachment. Keeping the tooth moist is crucial, so place it in a container of milk, saliva, or a specialized tooth preservation solution if available. Avoid storing it in plain water, which can damage the root cells.

Should You Reinsert the Tooth Yourself?

In some cases, it may be possible to place the tooth back into the socket yourself. If you feel confident, you can try to gently reinsert it into its original position, applying light pressure. Bite down on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to help hold the tooth in place.

However, this should only be done if you are comfortable and the tooth is not severely damaged. Improper reinsertion can cause further trauma, push the tooth in at the wrong angle, or damage surrounding tissues. When in doubt, it’s better to keep the tooth moist and seek immediate professional dental care.

Professional Care and Follow-Up

Even if you successfully reinsert the tooth, visiting an emergency dentist as soon as possible is essential. The dentist will evaluate the tooth, stabilize it, and provide treatment to encourage proper healing. This may include splinting the tooth to adjacent teeth, prescribing antibiotics, or performing root canal therapy if necessary.

If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist will discuss replacement options, such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures, to restore both function and appearance.

Tips for Protecting Your Teeth in the Future

• Wear a mouthguard during sports or high-impact activities.
• Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite hard objects.
• Maintain regular dental check-ups to identify any potential weaknesses in your teeth.

Acting quickly, keeping the tooth moist, and seeking professional care are the keys to saving a knocked-out tooth.

About the Practice

Missing or chipped a tooth? Suffering from dental pain? Our team is here to help. DeAngelo Dental of Homer Glen provides expert emergency dentistry services, including care for knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and other urgent dental issues. Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo specializes in esthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, endodontics, occlusion (bite alignment), neuromuscular dentistry, and prosthodontics. We ensure prompt treatment with an emphasis on patient education and personalized care to maximize outcomes in dental emergencies.

Call us at (708) 854-5912 or request an appointment online.