Knocked-Out Tooth: Why You Should Visit an Emergency Dentist in Long Island

December 30, 2025

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most alarming dental emergencies—and it almost always happens when you least expect it. Whether it’s caused by a sports injury, a sudden fall, or an accident, you can go from normal to holding a tooth in your hand in seconds.

The good news? Acting fast can make all the difference. Booking an appointment with an emergency dentist in Long Island immediately can significantly increase the chances of saving the tooth. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes after the injury is critical.

Why Is a Knocked-Out Tooth an Emergency?

Dentists classify a knocked-out tooth—also known as an avulsed tooth—as a time-sensitive emergency. The root of the tooth is covered with delicate living tissue that is essential for successful reattachment to the jawbone.

If you delay visiting an emergency dentist, this tissue can dry out or become damaged, greatly reducing the chances of reimplantation. The longer you wait, the lower the success rate.

The solution is simple: visit the nearest emergency dentist in Long Island immediately for treatment.

What to Do Right Away: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keep the Tooth Carefully

If the tooth is intact, pick it up by the crown only (the chewing surface), not the root. Touching the root can damage the cells needed for reattachment and reduce the chance of saving the tooth.

Rinse Gently

If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. Avoid scrubbing the tooth or using soap, chemicals, or disinfectants.

Pro tip: Never let the tooth dry out.

Try to Place the Tooth Back in the Socket

If your gums are not severely injured, gently place the tooth back into the socket and bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place. This is often the best option for preserving the tooth until you reach an emergency dentist.

Keep the Tooth Moist

If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, store it in milk, saline, or a tooth-preservation kit. The goal is to keep the tooth moist without damaging the root tissue. Follow dental guidance carefully—dry storage can permanently damage the tooth.

Book an Emergency Dentist Immediately

Time is critical. Your best option is to see an emergency dentist in Long Island as soon as possible. Even a short delay can affect whether the tooth can be saved.

Special Considerations for Children

If the patient is a child, the emergency dentist will carefully examine the tooth, socket, and surrounding tissues. If the tooth is viable, it may be cleaned and reimplanted.

Follow-up treatment may include root canal therapy, depending on the child’s age and the condition of the tooth. Acting quickly is especially important - a knocked-out tooth doesn’t always mean a lost tooth, but delays can make it one.

Book an Emergency Dentist in Long Island and Save Your Tooth

When you experience a dental emergency, immediate care matters. Seeking prompt emergency dental care in Long Island, including Nassau County, can help relieve pain, prevent complications, and improve the chances of saving your tooth.

Whether you need same-day emergency treatment or ongoing dental care, getting professional help right away is the key to protecting your oral health.