Project Peach
Plashet Pharmacy Logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
hello@plashetpharmacy.co.uk
0208 472 4560
Login
en
en
Plashet Pharmacy Logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Order Prescription
Book Consultation
Services
Our Pharmacy
Our App
Health & Advice
Log Out
Order Prescription
Book Consultation
Login
Login
en
en
hello@plashetpharmacy.co.uk
0208 472 4560
Login
en
en
Plashet Pharmacy Logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Order Prescription
Book Consultation
Services
Our Pharmacy
Our App
Health & Advice
Log Out
Order Prescription
Book Consultation
Login
Login
en
en
Knocked-out tooth
What to do if a tooth has been knocked out

There are things you can do yourself before seeing a dentist if your tooth has been knocked out.

  1. Hold the tooth by the white bit that sticks out of the gum (the crown) – do not touch the root.
  2. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in milk, saline or saliva.
  3. Try to put it back into the hole in the gum.
  4. Bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold the tooth in place if it goes back in easily.
  5. Go to a dentist as soon as possible.

Important

Do not put a baby tooth back in as it could damage the tooth growing underneath.

If you cannot put the tooth back in, you can put it in either milk or saliva.

Spit into a container (if it's your tooth) or get your child to spit into a container (if it's theirs) if you're putting the tooth in saliva.

Ask for an emergency dentist appointment if:

  • you have knocked out a tooth, even if you cannot find it

To see a dentist out of hours:

  • call your dentist – if they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do

If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:

  • call 111 – they can advise you what to do
  • find a dentist near you – ask if you can have an emergency appointment

You may have to pay for your appointment.

Read more about how much NHS dental treatment costs.

Treatment for a knocked-out tooth

If you put the tooth back in, the dentist will check it's in the right place and move it if they need to.

You may need an X-ray to check if the root of the tooth has been damaged.

If you brought the tooth in milk or saliva, the dentist will usually:

  • clean the tooth and put it back in
  • fix the tooth to the teeth on either side of it to hold it in place (splinting)

You'll probably need to go back after a couple of weeks for other treatment, such as a root canal treatment, and to have the splint removed.

If you cannot find the tooth or the dentist is not able to save it, the tooth may be replaced with a denture (false tooth) while the socket heals.

Once it's healed, there may be other options like a bridge or dental implant.

You may have to pay for your appointment and treatment.

Cost of dental treatment

NHS dental treatment is free for some people, including:

  • children under 18 years old, or under 19 and in full-time education
  • if you're pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months
  • if you're on some benefits, including Income Support or Universal Credit

If you do not qualify for free dental care, you will usually have to pay for treatment.

Find out more about NHS dental costs

Find out more

Last Reviewed
21 February 2025
NHS websiteNHS website
Plashet Pharmacy Logo
Download the Plashet Pharmacy App
Download on the App Store
Contact Us
Pharmacy Services
Order Prescriptions
Patient Account Deletion 
Health A-Z
Healthy Living Zone
Download Our App
Do Something
Do Something
Pay securely with
Amex Logo
Apple Pay Logo
Diners Logo
Discover Logo
JCB Logo
Mastercard Logo
Visa Logo
Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms & Conditions
Plashet Pharmacy © 2025