Disclaimer
The information below is provided as a general guide only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental care. Every patient’s situation is unique. If you are experiencing ongoing issues or have specific concerns, please schedule an appointment with your dentist for personalized advice and treatment.
Dental Trauma & knocked-out teeth
Accidents happen — during sport, at school, at home or in everyday life.
If a tooth is knocked out or broken, acting quickly can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth.
At Armagh Dental Clinic, we will always do our very best to see dental trauma cases as quickly as possible. If an accident happens, please ring the practice immediately.
Knocked-out adult tooth (permanent tooth)
A knocked-out adult tooth can often be saved — but time is critical.
Aim to see a dentist within 60 minutes
The sooner the tooth is placed back into the socket, the better the chance of saving it.
- Stay calm.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part that sits in the mouth).
- ❌ Do NOT touch the root.
- If the tooth is dirty:
- Gently rinse it in milk, saline, or saliva.
- You may gently suck it clean briefly (without swallowing or inhaling).
- Do NOT scrub or use soap.
- Try to place the tooth back into the socket immediately.
- Make sure it is facing the correct way.
- Gently push it into position.
- Bite down softly on clean tissue or a cloth to hold it in place.
Then contact us immediately for an emergency appointment.
If replanting the tooth isn’t possible:
- Place it in milk (best option)
- Or keep it in saliva (inside the cheek if safe to do so)
- Or place it in saline
Do NOT store it in water.
Do NOT let it dry out.
Then contact the practice urgently.
Do NOT put a baby tooth back into the socket.
Reinserting a baby tooth can damage the developing adult tooth underneath.
If a baby tooth is knocked out, contact us for advice.
If you are unsure where the tooth has gone (for example, during a fall or collision), attend A&E for assessment.
An X-ray may be needed to ensure the tooth has not been inhaled or swallowed.
If a tooth is chipped or broken:
- Keep any fragments if possible — they may be reattached
- Store the fragment in milk or saliva
- Contact us as soon as possible
Prompt treatment improves the outcome.
If there is:
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure
- Suspected broken jaw
- Deep cuts to the lips or face
You should attend A&E immediately.
You can also contact us for advice.
Pain relief after Dental Trauma
You may take:
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
(Always follow dosage instructions.)
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of the face can help reduce swelling.
What will happen at the dental appointment?
When you attend:
- We will examine the injury carefully
- Dental X-rays may be taken to assess the root and surrounding bone
- The area is usually numbed
- The tooth will be repositioned if needed
- A splint is often placed (the injured tooth is gently secured to neighbouring teeth)
- Antibiotics may be prescribed
- You will be advised to follow a soft diet
- Follow-up appointments will be arranged
The key message
- A knocked-out adult tooth can often be saved
- Get it back into the socket immediately if possible
- Hold it by the crown, not the root
- Store in milk if you cannot reinsert it
- Seek dental care within 60 minutes
