For a knocked-out permanent tooth, a significant dental injury, severe tooth pain or painful swelling, contact a dentist promptly. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist and get to a dentist right away, because the first hour matters most. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading quickly in the face or neck, or serious bleeding that won't stop.
Should I call a dentist or go to the emergency department?
Call 911 or go to an emergency department for breathing or swallowing difficulty, rapidly spreading swelling or a serious injury such as a possible broken jaw or head injury. For a painful tooth, a chipped tooth or a broken restoration without these danger signs, contact a dentist for guidance. Our emergency dental care page explains how we handle urgent visits.
What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
For a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown, the part normally visible in the mouth, not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with cold water without scrubbing. If you can, gently push it back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. Don't force it. If it won't go back, keep it moist in milk, in an approved tooth-preservation solution, or inside the cheek of an adult or older child who won't swallow it. Don't store it in plain water or wrap it dry. Then see a dentist immediately. [1, 2]
Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into its socket. A child still needs prompt dental evaluation after the injury.
What if a tooth cracks or a crown comes out?
Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on the cheek if there is swelling. Keep any recovered crown or fragment and contact the dentist. Do not use household glue. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth until you receive instructions. Read why a damaged tooth may need a crown for background after the urgent problem is assessed.
What can I do for a toothache while arranging care?
Rinse with warm water and gently remove trapped food with floss if you can do so comfortably. Do not place aspirin against the tooth or gums, because it can burn the tissue. [2] Our tooth-pain guide can help you describe the symptoms, but it does not replace an examination.
How do I reach our Jacksonville office?
Call the office at 904-398-1549. Explain the injury or symptoms, when they began and whether there is swelling. When someone is in pain, we try to see them the same day if we can.
The practice also has an on-call phone and text line, 904-762-5616. It may not be answered right away, so don't rely on it for an immediate response. For breathing or swallowing problems or rapidly spreading swelling, call 911. Please don't send sensitive health information by text.
If you can't reach us and the problem is urgent, see another available dentist or urgent care provider rather than waiting through worsening symptoms. Our office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, near San Marco. You can also contact us online for non-urgent questions.
Sources
Fouad AF, Abbott PV, Tsilingaridis G, et al. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 2. Avulsion of permanent teeth. Dent Traumatol. 2020;36(4):331-342. doi:10.1111/edt.12573 (retrieved via PubMed)
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Dental emergencies. Accessed October 6, 2026.
American Association of Endodontists. Knocked-out teeth.
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. First aid for a knocked-out permanent tooth.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.