Knocked-Out Tooth Emergency Care in Fairfax, VA
Time matters. Call us first, then come in. The best window to save the tooth is the first 30 minutes.
What to Do Right Now
Pick the Tooth Up by the Crown, Not the Root
The crown is the white part you normally see. The root is the long pointed part that was in the socket. Touching the root can damage the cells that help the tooth reattach to your jaw. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it very gently with water (not soap, not antiseptic, no scrubbing). Try to keep the root tissue intact.
If You Can, Put the Tooth Back in the Socket
This is the best place for the tooth to be while you get to us. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze. If you can't reposition it, put the tooth in a small container of milk. Milk is far better than water because it has the right pH and minerals to keep the cells alive. Saliva works too in a pinch (the tooth in your cheek pouch, carefully). Never store it dry.
Call Us Immediately
The best chance of saving a knocked-out permanent tooth is within the first 30 minutes. Call us on the way to the office so we know you're coming and can prep for you. Someone picks up day or night. If it's a baby tooth that came out, don't try to put it back, just bring your child in so we can check the gum and the permanent tooth underneath.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Yes, often, if you act fast. The chance of saving a knocked-out permanent tooth is highest in the first 30 minutes and drops sharply after that. The keys are picking the tooth up by the crown (not the root), keeping it moist (back in the socket, in milk, or in saliva), and getting to a dentist immediately. Baby teeth that come out are not replanted but should still be checked.
How much does emergency care for a knocked-out tooth cost?
The emergency visit is $250 and includes your X-rays. If we're able to save and reimplant the tooth, that work is included in your treatment plan and the cost depends on whether you also need a splint, a root canal, or follow-up care. If the tooth can't be saved, we'll discuss replacement options. You'll get a written estimate before any treatment beyond the exam begins.
Should I rinse the tooth?
Only if it's visibly dirty, and only with cool water, briefly. Do not scrub, do not use soap, antiseptic, or alcohol, and do not let it dry out. The tiny cells on the root surface are what help the tooth reattach to the jaw, and they're delicate. The less you handle the root, the better the outcome.
What if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Don't try to put it back in. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Save the tooth if you can (parents often want to keep it), and bring your child in same-day so we can check the gum, the permanent tooth, and rule out other injuries. Call us first so we can guide you through what to look for.
Call Us First, Then Come In
➔ Same-day emergency appointments, 7 days a week
➔ Phones answered 24/7 for guidance
➔ $250 emergency exam with X-rays included
➔ Permanent replacement options available
➔ Open most holidays
➔ Se habla español
Questions Patients Ask About Knocked-Out Teeth
It's been more than an hour since the tooth came out. Is it too late?
Call us anyway. The 30-minute window is the best-case scenario, but reimplantation can sometimes succeed beyond that, especially if the tooth was stored properly in milk. Even if reimplantation isn't possible, we still need to see you to manage the socket, prevent infection, and plan for a permanent replacement.
What happens if the tooth can't be saved?
If the tooth can't be reimplanted or doesn't reattach, we'll treat the socket so it heals properly and walk you through replacement options. The best long-term replacement for a single missing tooth is a dental implant, which Dr. Johnson places at our main site, dentcarenow.com. We'll coordinate the timing so you go from emergency to permanent replacement without gaps in your care.
My tooth is loose but didn't come out. Should I still come in?
Yes, same-day. A loose tooth after trauma can sometimes be stabilized with a splint while the ligaments heal, but only if it's treated quickly. Even if it feels stable to you, we want to take X-rays to check for hidden fractures or damage to the root. The sooner we see it, the better.
