Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth? Time Matters. Here Is What to Do
A knocked-out adult tooth can often be saved if you act fast. Even a badly broken tooth can usually be restored. Our team handles dental emergencies the same day, every day we are open.
- Mesquite
- Garland
- Balch Springs
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, the next 30 minutes matter most. Follow the steps below, then call your nearest Inspire Dental location right away. We will see you the same day.
Call Now5 Steps to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth
If an adult tooth has been knocked out, every minute counts. Follow these steps in order, and call us on the way.
Pick It Up by the Crown
Hold the tooth by the white chewing surface only. Never touch the root.
Rinse Gently with Water
If dirty, rinse briefly with water. Do not scrub, soap, or dry the tooth.
Place It Back in the Socket
If you can, slide it back into place. Bite gently on gauze to hold it there.
If Not, Keep It Moist
Use milk, saliva in your cheek, or a tooth preservation kit. Not water.
Get to Us Within 30 Minutes
Call ahead and head straight in. The first 30 minutes give the best chance.
Different Kinds of Tooth Trauma
Knowing the type of injury helps us prepare while you are on your way. Here is what each one means and what we usually do.
Knocked-Out Adult Tooth
The whole tooth has come out of the socket. This is the most time-sensitive injury. Acting in the first 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving it.
Tooth Broken in Half
A large fracture has split off a major piece. The tooth often still has a usable root, and treatment usually involves a crown or restoration.
Loose or Pushed-In Tooth
The tooth is still there but moves, or has been pushed up or sideways. We position it correctly and stabilize it so the supporting tissues can heal.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
A baby tooth that has come out should not be put back in, since that can harm the permanent tooth underneath. We will still want to see your child the same day.
Broken Tooth With Bleeding
If the gum or mouth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze and call us. We will guide you through the next steps until you arrive.
Tooth With Visible Nerve
If the inside of the tooth is exposed, it needs prompt care to control pain and prevent infection. We will protect the area and explain the next steps.
What Not to Do With a Knocked-Out Tooth
When you are in a rush, it is easy to make a small mistake that ruins the chance of saving the tooth. Avoid these common ones:
- Do not touch or scrub the root of the tooth. It is covered in delicate cells that help it reattach.
- Do not store the tooth in plain tap water. It dries the root surface and can damage the cells.
- Do not wrap the tooth in a tissue, napkin, or paper towel. Keep it moist at all times.
- Do not push a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket. It can harm the permanent tooth underneath.
- Do not wait to see if the pain settles. The first 30 minutes are the most important window.
If anything goes wrong with the rescue steps, call us anyway. Teeth have been saved more than an hour after being knocked out when handled correctly.
How We Save and Restore Broken Teeth
When you arrive, we focus on two things: stopping the pain and saving the tooth, in that order. We will always start with the option that preserves your natural tooth when possible.
Same-Day Emergency Care
We will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and either reposition and stabilize it, or treat the break right away. Our goal is to send you home out of pain with a clear plan.
Learn about emergency dental care →Replacing a Tooth That Cannot Be Saved
If the tooth is lost, we will plan a natural-looking replacement that fits your bite and budget. A dental bridge fills the gap with strong, fixed teeth that look and feel like your own.
Learn about dental bridges →If the nerve has been damaged, a root canal may be needed before a crown goes on. For trusted background reading, the American Association of Endodontists has a clear guide to handling a knocked-out tooth, and the American Dental Association covers dental emergencies in plain language.
30 min
Best window to save a knocked-out adult tooth
Same Day
Emergency appointments at all three locations
2,700+
5-star Google reviews from local families
Since 2017
Trusted care for kids, teens, and adults
Call Us On Your Way In
Calling ahead lets us prepare before you arrive. We accept Medicaid, CHIP, and most PPO plans, with flexible payment plans to fit your budget.
Book AppointmentOr call your nearest location now
Care You Can Trust in an Emergency
Inspire Dental & Orthodontics was founded in 2017 by Dr. Patel and Dr. Paul, two dentists who grew up in this community. Every dental emergency is examined by a licensed dentist, diagnosed with X-rays, and treated with a plan you understand before we begin. Our bilingual team has earned more than 2,700 five-star reviews from families at our offices in Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs.
Same-Day Care That Saved Their Smile
Real reviews from patients who arrived with a broken or knocked-out tooth and left with their smile intact.
My son knocked a front tooth out at soccer practice. We called on the way and they had everything ready when we arrived. The tooth was back in within an hour. Months later it is healed and stable. Cannot thank them enough.
I fell and broke my front tooth in half. I walked in panicked and they were so calm and reassuring. They explained every option, fitted a temporary the same day, and the final crown is beautiful. Truly grateful for this team.
Mi hija se cayó y se le rompió un diente. Llamé y nos atendieron de inmediato. El doctor fue muy paciente con ella y le explicó todo en español. Salió tranquila y sin dolor. Mil gracias a todo el equipo, son maravillosos.