If an adult tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (never the root), rinse it gently if dirty, and try to reinsert it into the socket straight away; if you cannot, store it in milk and see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes, as quick action gives the best chance of saving it. For a broken tooth, save any pieces and rinse your mouth. Sydney Smile Centre in Pagewood offers same-day emergency care — call 02 9349 2387.
A knocked-out or broken tooth is one of the few true dental emergencies where minutes matter. Staying calm and doing the right things in the first hour can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. This guide walks you through the steps for an avulsed (knocked-out) adult tooth, a chipped or cracked tooth, and what to do for children, plus when to treat it as an emergency and how we restore the tooth in Pagewood and Maroubra.
Knocked-out adult tooth: step-by-step first aid
An adult tooth that has been completely knocked out can sometimes be saved if you act fast. Follow these steps:
- Pick it up by the crown: hold the white chewing part only. Never touch the root, as the cells on it are delicate.
- Rinse gently if dirty: use milk or saline for a few seconds. Do not scrub, use soap, or wrap it in tissue.
- Reinsert if you can: place the tooth back into its socket the right way round and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If you cannot reinsert it, keep it moist: store it in cold milk, or hold it inside the cheek. Do not let it dry out.
- See a dentist immediately: aim to be seen within 30 to 60 minutes. Call ahead so we can prepare.
The sooner a knocked-out tooth is back in place, the better the chance it can reattach, though we cannot guarantee an outcome.
Chipped, cracked or broken tooth
A broken tooth is usually less time-critical than a full avulsion, but still needs prompt care to prevent pain and further damage. In the meantime:
- Save any pieces: keep broken fragments in milk or saline and bring them with you.
- Rinse your mouth: use warm water to clean the area and clear any debris.
- Control bleeding: apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if the gum or lip is bleeding.
- Reduce swelling: hold a cold compress against your cheek.
- Protect a sharp edge: dental wax or sugar-free gum can cover a jagged edge temporarily, and avoid chewing on that side.
Even a small chip can expose the inner tooth and lead to sensitivity or infection, so have it checked rather than leaving it.
What about a child’s knocked-out tooth?
The advice differs for baby (primary) teeth. If a child knocks out a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it — doing so can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Keep the child calm, control any bleeding with gentle pressure, and contact us for advice. If an older child or teenager knocks out a permanent adult tooth, follow the adult steps above and see a dentist urgently. When you are unsure whether a tooth is a baby or adult tooth, call us and we will guide you.
When is a broken or knocked-out tooth an emergency?
Treat the following as reasons to seek urgent dental or medical care:
- A completely knocked-out adult tooth — this is time-critical, so act within the first hour.
- Heavy bleeding that will not slow after gentle pressure.
- Severe pain or a tooth pushed out of position.
- Facial swelling, a deep cut, or a suspected jaw injury.
- Any head knock with dizziness, nausea or confusion — seek medical help first, as this may be more than a dental issue.
If the injury involves a possible broken jaw, a serious cut, or a blow to the head, go to a hospital emergency department.
How Sydney Smile Centre restores the tooth
Once you reach us, we assess the tooth, take x-rays and recommend the most suitable repair. Depending on the injury, treatment can include:
- Splinting a replanted tooth: securing a reinserted tooth to its neighbours while it heals.
- Bonding: repairing a small chip with tooth-coloured composite in a single visit.
- A crown: rebuilding a badly broken tooth for strength and protection.
- Root canal treatment: saving a tooth where the nerve is damaged or exposed.
- Extraction and replacement: where a tooth cannot be saved, we discuss options such as an implant or bridge.
Costs depend on the treatment: a comprehensive exam starts from $190, a crown from $1,900, and root canal treatment from $1,100. These are indicative starting figures only — book a consultation for an exact quote and your treatment plan. HICAPS health-fund claiming is available on the spot, along with payment plans and Afterpay.
Same-day emergency care in Pagewood and Maroubra
We welcome new and emergency patients from Maroubra, Pagewood, Mascot, Botany, Kingsford, Eastgardens and the wider Eastern Suburbs. If you or your child has a dental injury, call us straight away so we can see you as soon as possible. We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. Call 02 9349 2387 or request an appointment online at our website.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
An adult tooth often can be saved if you act quickly. Hold it by the crown, rinse it gently, reinsert it into the socket if possible, or store it in milk, and see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. The faster the tooth is back in place, the better the chance it reattaches, although we cannot guarantee the result.
Should I put a knocked-out tooth in milk or water?
Milk is much better than water. Milk helps keep the delicate root-surface cells alive, whereas plain water can damage them. If milk is not available, hold the tooth inside your cheek to keep it moist with saliva. The key is to stop the tooth drying out and to reach a dentist as soon as possible.
What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth, as this can harm the developing adult tooth underneath. Keep your child calm, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding, and call us for advice. If you are not sure whether the tooth is a baby or an adult tooth, phone us and we will help you work it out.
My tooth is only slightly chipped — do I still need to see a dentist?
Yes, it is worth having even a small chip checked. A minor chip can expose the inner tooth, leading to sensitivity, a sharp edge or infection over time. We can often repair small chips with tooth-coloured bonding in a single visit. Save any broken pieces in milk and bring them along to your appointment.
How quickly do I need to be seen for a broken tooth?
A completely knocked-out adult tooth is time-critical and should be treated within about an hour. A chipped or cracked tooth is less urgent but should still be seen promptly to prevent pain, infection or further damage. Call Sydney Smile Centre on 02 9349 2387 and describe the injury so we can advise and prioritise you.
How do I get emergency dental help in Pagewood on a Saturday?
Sydney Smile Centre is open Saturdays 9am to 1pm as well as Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and we welcome new and emergency patients. Call us on 02 9349 2387 as early as you can and let us know it is an emergency so we can prioritise your visit. You can also request an appointment online at our website.
