Dental Trauma: What to Do When Teeth Are Injured

When it comes to dental trauma, every minute counts. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a cracked tooth, or an injury that leaves teeth loose, immediate treatment offers the best chance of a healthy long-term outcome. At Renew Dental Lounge, we want you to feel calm and prepared should the unexpected happen. Here’s everything you need to know about handling dental trauma until you can get professional care.

What to Do If an Adult Tooth Is Knocked Out

If an adult (permanent) tooth is knocked out, remain calm and act quickly. The first 30 minutes are critical for saving the tooth.

Steps to follow:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown only (the white part you see in the mouth). Avoid touching the root.
• If dirty, gently rinse the tooth with milk or saline. Do not scrub or use soap.
• Try to place the tooth back into its socket immediately, making sure it faces the right way.
• Gently bite down on a soft cloth or tissue to hold it in place.
• If reinserting isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or your own saliva. Avoid water, tissues, or wrapping it in cloth.

See the team at Renew Dental Lounge, Upper Mount Gravatt, within 30 minutes if possible.

Early action gives the tooth the highest chance of survival.

What to Do If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out

A baby tooth should not be reinserted into the socket. Doing so could damage the developing adult tooth beneath it.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Stay calm and bring your child and the tooth to us at Renew Dental Lounge.
• Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root.
• Place the tooth in milk or saliva to bring to the dentist.
• Don’t panic if part of the root is missing — baby teeth naturally resorb their roots as adult teeth prepare to erupt. We’ll take an X-ray if needed to ensure everything looks as it should.

Other Types of Dental Injuries

Not all dental trauma involves a fully knocked-out tooth. Other injuries include:

Teeth Moved from Their Normal Position

If a tooth has been pushed backward, sideways, or even up into the gum:

• Try to gently move it back into its original position.
• Ask the patient to softly bite down on a cloth to hold the tooth in place.
• Seek urgent dental care.

Cracked, Chipped, or Fractured Teeth

• If you can find the broken fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.
• In some cases, we can reattach the fragment for a seamless repair.
• Even small cracks should be assessed promptly to prevent infection or further damage.

Loose Teeth

• A loose tooth may indicate trauma to the root or supporting bone.
• Don’t wiggle or push the tooth unnecessarily.
• At Renew Dental Lounge, we’ll assess stability and discuss the best treatment options.

Why Immediate Treatment Matters

Dental trauma is more than just cosmetic — it can affect long-term oral health. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of:

• Infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues
• Permanent tooth loss
• Alignment issues if neighbouring teeth shift
• Long-term complications requiring more complex treatment

If trauma occurs, contact Renew Dental Lounge immediately. We’ll give you the best chance of saving the tooth and protecting your oral health.

Prevention Tips for Dental Trauma

While accidents can’t always be avoided, you can reduce your risk:

• Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports.
• Maintain strong teeth and gums with regular check-ups and cleanings.
• Childproof your home for younger children learning to walk.

Seek treatment quickly after any trauma — even minor injuries can worsen if ignored.

Dental trauma can be frightening, but knowing what to do — and acting quickly — can make all the difference. At Renew Dental Lounge, we’re here to help with same-day emergency appointments and expert care.

FAQs

1. How quickly should I see a dentist after a tooth is knocked out?

Ideally within 30 minutes. The sooner the tooth is treated, the higher the chance it can be saved.

2. Can a baby tooth be reinserted?

No — baby teeth should not be reinserted, as this can harm the adult tooth developing underneath.

3. What’s the best liquid to store a knocked-out tooth in?

Milk or your own saliva. Avoid water, tissues, or wrapping it in cloth, as these can damage the tooth root.

4. What if my tooth is chipped but doesn’t hurt?

Even painless chips or cracks can lead to problems. See your dentist promptly to prevent infection or further damage.

5. Can a loose tooth heal on its own after trauma?

Not usually. A loose tooth often signals damage to the root or supporting bone. Professional treatment is essential.

Book an appointment today

At Renew Dental Lounge in Upper Mount Gravatt, we're redefining what it feels like to visit the dentist. If you're searching for a dentist in Mt Gravatt, we're here to help you feel at home in your smile. From gentle family dental check-ups, emergency dentist treatment, through to cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening, veneers and dental implants, every visit is built on trust, compassion and excellence.

Patients looking for a dentist in Brisbane southside (Upper Mt Gravatt, Mount Gravatt, Mansfield and Mount Gravatt East) choose us for our spa-like environment, advanced technology and human-centred care that eases anxiety and transforms confidence. No matter where you're starting from, we'll meet you exactly where you are, supporting you with clear advice and personalised treatment options. Book an appointment today.