When you have lost tooth due to trauma (for instance, a blow to the mouth), it is considered a dental emergency. If you get to your dentist's office soon enough, your dentist may be able to save the tooth.
If you ever have a tooth knocked out, take the following steps:
1. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (not the root).
Immediately upon losing the tooth, try to retrieve it. Pick the tooth up carefully by the crown (the portion exposed above the gum line when it is in your mouth).
2. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water.
Use only water to gently rinse any dirt or debris from the tooth. Don't use soap or chemicals, and don’t scrub or dry the tooth, or wrap it in tissue or cloth, as any of these actions could damage it.
3. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket.
Try to put the tooth back into its socket right away. You can try to push it in gently (continuing to handle the crown only, not the root). Or, you can try positioning it above the socket and closing your mouth slowly to push it in. Hold the tooth in place with a finger, or by gently biting down on it.
4. Keep the tooth moist.
If you can't get the tooth back in the socket, you must keep it moist until you can get to the dentist. Place it in a cup of milk, or keep it in your mouth next to your cheek. Don’t store it in regular tap water; the root surface cells cannot tolerate water for extended periods of time.
5. Get to your dentist's office within 30 minutes of the injury.
Ideally, you should get to your dentist's office within 30 minutes of losing the tooth. However, it is still possible for your dentist to save a tooth if it has been outside the mouth for an hour or more.