Question 1

How long do I have to save a knocked-out tooth?

Accepted Answer

The first 30–60 minutes are critical. The periodontal ligament cells on the root must stay alive for replantation to succeed. After about 60 minutes outside the mouth in an unsuitable medium (especially water), success rates drop sharply.

Question 2

What's the best way to transport a knocked-out tooth?

Accepted Answer

In order of preference: 1) back in the socket, 2) inside the patient's cheek (if old enough not to swallow it), 3) cold milk, 4) saliva, 5) Save-a-Tooth solution. Never water or dry storage.

Question 3

My tooth chipped but doesn't hurt — do I still need to be seen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even chips that don't hurt now can damage the pulp and lead to nerve death weeks or months later. An evaluation tells us if the pulp is exposed or at risk and lets us monitor over time.

Question 4

Will the tooth turn dark after trauma?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. After trauma, a tooth may discolor (turn gray, pink, or yellow) as the pulp responds to injury. Discoloration that develops days to weeks after trauma usually indicates pulp damage and needs a root canal. We can also internally bleach the tooth back to its natural shade afterward.

Question 5

Can a baby tooth that was knocked out be replanted?

Accepted Answer

No. Replanting a primary (baby) tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Control bleeding with gauze pressure and call your pediatric dentist.

Question 6

What about root resorption?

Accepted Answer

After dental trauma, the root can sometimes start to dissolve (resorb) — either externally or internally. This can develop months to years after the injury, which is why long-term follow-up matters. Caught early, resorption can sometimes be arrested.

Dental Trauma: AAE & IADT Guidelines in Plain English (2026)