Dental trauma and what to do if a tooth gets knocked out - advice from your Emergency Dentist, Purley

If you’re in Purley, Croydon, or based anywhere in South London, our team at Foxley Lane Dental provides expert same-day emergency dental services for all types of dental trauma. 

So, if you or your child damages or loses a tooth - here’s what to do.

What is dental trauma?

Dental trauma refers to any injury to your teeth, gums or jaw. It can range from a chipped edge to a completely knocked-out tooth. Acting quickly helps reduce long-term complications such as infection or permanent tooth loss.

Common types of dental trauma

• Chipped or fractured tooth: when a small or large piece of enamel breaks away.
  
  
• Cracked tooth: a split running through the tooth that might cause pain on biting.
  
  
• Loosened or displaced tooth (luxation): the tooth has moved or feels wobbly after impact.
  
  
• Intruded tooth: the tooth is pushed deeper into the socket or gum.
  
  
• Knocked-out tooth (avulsion): the entire tooth has come out of the socket.
  
  
• Soft-tissue or jaw injury: cuts to the lips or gums, or damage to the bone around the mouth.

What to do if a tooth gets knocked out

A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. If this happens to you, follow these steps straight away:

1. Stay calm and find the tooth.
   
   
2. Pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root.
   
   
3. If it’s dirty, rinse gently in milk or saliva. Don’t scrub or use hot water.
   
   
4. Try to place it back in the socket. Gently push it into position and bite on a clean cloth to hold it there.
   
   
5. If that’s not possible, keep it moist. Store the tooth in milk or between your cheek and gum - never dry tissue or plain water.
   
   
6. Contact an emergency dentist immediately. Call our same day emergency dentist, Purley, on 020 8660 0415 and head straight over - every minute counts.
   

Why time matters

The living cells on the root surface begin to die quickly once the tooth is dry. Seeing a dentist within 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving it.

When you arrive at the clinic

At Foxley Lane Dental, our emergency dentist will:

• Examine the socket and surrounding tissues
  
  
• Take X-rays to check for hidden damage
  
  
• Reposition and stabilise the tooth with a small splint if suitable
  
  
• Provide pain relief and infection control
  
  
• Plan follow-up treatment such as root canal therapy if required
  
  

Will my knocked-out tooth stay in place - and what happens next?

Once a knocked-out tooth has been reinserted and stabilised, your dentist will monitor healing closely over the following weeks and months.

Healing and stabilisation

• The splint usually stays in place for around two weeks to allow the tooth to reattach to the bone.
  
  
• During this time, you’ll need to avoid biting on that side, eat soft foods and keep the area clean.
  
  
• In some cases, a root canal treatment is needed within a couple of weeks to help protect the tooth from infection.
  

Will the tooth be permanent again?

If the tooth was replaced quickly, ideally within 30 minutes, there’s a good chance it will reintegrate successfully and last for many years. The long-term outcome depends on:

• How long the tooth was out of the mouth
  
  
• The condition of the root and socket
  
  
• How well aftercare advice is followed
  
  
• Age and overall oral health

Even with excellent care, some teeth may not fully reattach or may become loose again over time. If this happens, we will discuss long-term replacement options such as a dental implant, bridge or partial denture to restore comfort and appearance.

Aftercare advice

To help the tooth heal properly:

• Keep the area clean using a soft toothbrush and gentle mouth rinse as recommended
  
  
• Avoid contact sports or pressure on the tooth until your dentist confirms it is stable
  
  
• Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor root and bone health
  
  
• Contact your dentist if you notice pain, swelling or movement around the tooth
  
  

At Foxley Lane Dental, our Purley team supports you from emergency treatment through to full recovery and beyond, helping you feel comfortable and confident in your smile again.

Managing other dental injuries

Not every dental injury involves fully losing a tooth, but other trauma can still be serious.

Cracked or broken tooth

Save any fragments if you can and bring them to your appointment. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the face to limit swelling.

Loosened or moved tooth

Avoid touching or trying to move it back. Ensure you eat soft food only, and book an emergency appointment straight away.

Soft-tissue cuts or jaw pain

Apply light pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding and use a cold compress. If you suspect a jaw fracture, are bleeding heavily, or have difficulty opening your mouth, go to A&E immediately.

Why fast action matters

Prompt emergency care:

• Prevents further damage or infection
  
  
• Increases the chance of saving the natural tooth
  
  
• Reduces pain and swelling
  
  
• Supports quicker healing and a better long-term result
  
  

Our Purley dental team treats adults and children with all types of dental trauma - from chipped teeth to full avulsion injuries - in a calm, supportive environment.

Same-day emergency dental care in Purley - call now

If you experience dental trauma in Purley, Croydon, Wallington, Kenley, Selsdon, South Croydon or nearby, our caring emergency dentists are ready to help. 

We offer same day emergency appointments, so you get the attention you need as soon as possible.

Call 020 8660 0415 and our team will see you on the day to relieve pain, protect your oral health and help you feel comfortable and confident again.