With proper emergency action, a tooth that has been entirely knocked out of its socket often can be successfully replanted and last for years. Because of this, it is important to be prepared and know what to do if this happens to you or someone with you. The key is to act quickly, yet calmly, and follow these simple steps.

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) not the root.
Locate the tooth immediately; do not leave it at the site of the accident. The tooth should be handled carefully - touch only the crown - to minimize injury to the root.

2. Clean tooth with water.
If dirty, gently rinse the tooth with water, remembering not to handle the root surface.

• Do not use soap or chemicals.
• Do not scrub the tooth.
• Do not dry the tooth.
• Do not wrap it in a tissue or cloth.

3. Reposition tooth in socket immediately, if possible.
The sooner the tooth is replaced, the greater the likelihood it will survive. To reinsert, carefully push the tooth into the socket with fingers, or position above the socket and close mouth slowly. Hold the tooth in place with fingers or by gently biting down on it.

4. Keep tooth moist at all times.
The tooth must not be left outside the mouth to dry. If it cannot be replaced on the socket, put it in one of the following:

• Emergency tooth preservation kit
• Milk
• Mouth (next to cheek)
• If none of these is practical, use water (with pinch of salt if possible).