Loosened Tooth: If mild, it usually tightens up on its own ( may bleed a little from the gums).

Displaced Tooth: Any tooth that has been pushed out of normal position needs to be seen by a dentist to assess the damage.  Displaced teeth that interfere with biting, chewing, or closing of the mouth need to be repositioned within 4 hours for reasons of comfort and function. Mild displacement can wait for 24 hours for assessment.

Knocked-out Tooth: This is a dental emergency. The knocked-out tooth needs to be placed back in its socket as soon as possible, ideally within the hour.

FIRST AID for Knocked-out Tooth

-To save the tooth , it must be put back in its socket as soon as possible.

Use the following technique:

– Rinse off the tooth with saliva or water. Do not scrub the tooth.

 Replace it in the socket facing the correct way.

– Press down on the tooth with your thumb until the crown is level with the adjacent tooth.

– Lastly, bite down on a wad of cloth to stabilize the tooth until you can be seen by a dentist.

Transporting a Knocked-out Tooth

Follow these instructions if you are not able to put the tooth back in its socket.

– It is very important to keep the tooth moist. Do not let it dry out.

– Transport the tooth in saliva or milk.


Call Your Dentist Now If

– You think you have a serious tooth injury

– Knocked-out tooth (see First Aid and Transport information)

– Tooth is almost falling out

– Tooth is greatly pushed out of its normal position

– Tooth that’s pushed out of its normal position interferes with normal bite

– Chipped tooth is missing a large piece, or a red dot is visible inside the chipped area

– Bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure

– Severe pain