A knocked-out tooth—an avulsed tooth—is one of the most urgent dental emergencies someone can experience. Losing a tooth can be painful and traumatic, whether a fall, a sports injury, or an unexpected accident causes it. But here's the good news: A knocked-out tooth can often be saved if handled correctly and quickly.

Living in a big city like Houston, TX, you have access to excellent emergency dental care—but knowing what to do in the first few minutes after an injury can make all the difference. Below is a simple, practical guide on what steps to take immediately to protect your smile and improve your chances of saving the tooth.

1. Stay Calm and Act Fast

Time is crucial when a tooth gets knocked out. Try to get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes—the sooner, the better. Staying calm will help you or the injured person act efficiently, increasing the chances of successful reimplantation.

If you're in Houston and need help fast, search for a 24-hour emergency dentist near you or contact a dental office that accepts walk-ins.

2. Find the Tooth and Pick It Up Correctly

Locate the tooth immediately, and when you do, pick it up by the crown—the white top part you usually see in the mouth. Avoid touching the root. The root has delicate tissue essential for reattachment and survival; touching it can reduce the chances of a successful reimplantation.

3. Rinse the Tooth (Gently!)

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently under running water or, better yet, with milk or a saline solution. Avoid using soap, scrubbing the tooth, or wiping it off with tissue. The goal is to clean it without damaging the cells on the root.

4. Try to Reinsert the Tooth Into the Socket

If you feel confident and the injured person is conscious, gently place the tooth back into its socket. Make sure it's facing the right way, and slowly press it in with your fingers. Once it's in place, have the person bite down gently on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in position.

This is the best way to preserve the tooth—if it stays in its natural environment, it has a much better chance of survival.

5. If You Can't Reinsert It, Keep It Moist

If you can't get the tooth back into the socket, keeping it always moist is essential. Here's how:

• Store the tooth in cold milk.
• Place it in a tooth preservation kit if you have one.
• Hold it inside the mouth, between the cheek and gum (only if the person is old enough and alert).
• Place it in clean water for a very short time as a last resort.

Never let the tooth dry out!

6. Visit an Emergency Dentist in Houston ASAP

Once the tooth is stored or reinserted, head to an emergency dentist in Houston immediately. Many Houston dental offices offer same-day and emergency appointments. If your regular dentist isn't available, look up a nearby urgent dental clinic or call ahead to let them know you're on the way.

When you arrive, the dentist will examine the injury, potentially splint the tooth, and begin any necessary follow-up treatments.

7. What Happens After You See the Dentist?

If the tooth was reinserted successfully, your dentist may splint it to adjacent teeth for a few weeks. In many cases, a root canal will be required immediately or after healing begins. If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will review tooth replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

How to Prevent Knocked-Out Teeth

Preventive steps can go a long way:

• Wear mouth guards when playing sports.
• Don't use your teeth to open packages or bite complex objects like ice.
• Child-proof your home if you have little ones running around.

Having a tooth knocked out is scary—but it's not always permanent. Acting quickly and correctly can often save the tooth. If you're in the Houston area, know where your nearest emergency dental clinic is before you need one. Keep your dentist's number handy, and consider saving the number of a local 24/7 dental provider in your contacts.

Need emergency dental care in Houston, TX? Call your local dentist immediately and follow the steps above to give yourself the best chance at saving your tooth and your smile.