Avulsed Teeth
Treatment in Dallas–Fort Worth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies you can face. DFWOMS provides immediate, specialized care at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations — because acting fast is the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency
An avulsed tooth is a tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket — root and all — typically due to a traumatic impact from a sports injury, accident, or fall. Unlike a chipped or cracked tooth, a fully avulsed tooth requires immediate action.
Time is critical. The best chance of saving the tooth occurs within the first hour after the injury. DFWOMS’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experienced in dental trauma and avulsed tooth treatment across the Dallas–Fort Worth area — call us immediately if this happens to you or your child.
What to do if a tooth is knocked out
Follow these critical steps before reaching our office to give the tooth the best possible chance of survival:
Hold the tooth by the crown — the part that is normally visible in your mouth. Do not touch the root. The root surface contains vital periodontal ligament cells that are essential for successful reimplantation.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub it, wrap it in a dry cloth, or use tap water — these can all damage the delicate root surface cells.
If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket in the correct orientation. Bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place. This is the ideal way to preserve the tooth while you get to our office.
If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, keep it moist by storing it in a container of cold milk, a saline solution, or between your cheek and gums. Never store it in plain water, as it can damage the root cells within minutes.
Contact our office right away. The faster you reach us, the better the outcome. Our surgeons are experienced in dental trauma care and will guide you through every step until you arrive.
How we treat knocked-out teeth
Once you arrive at our office, our team moves quickly and carefully. Here is what you can expect from your emergency visit:
Experienced in dental trauma — when every minute counts
Common questions about avulsed teeth
Not always, but the sooner you act, the better the chances. Reimplantation is most successful when the tooth is kept moist and returned to the socket — or brought to our office — within 30 to 60 minutes. If the tooth cannot be saved, our surgeons offer advanced restoration options such as dental implants.
The best options are: back in the socket (if possible), in cold milk, in a saline solution, or between your cheek and gums. Plain tap water should be avoided because it can damage the periodontal ligament cells on the root surface within minutes, reducing the chances of successful reimplantation.
Baby (primary) teeth are generally not reimplanted, as doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. However, a dental professional should still evaluate the injury right away to assess the impact on surrounding tissues and the permanent tooth. Call us and we will advise you on next steps.
After reimplantation, the tooth is stabilized with a splint for a period of time while the surrounding bone and tissue heal. Root canal treatment is often required in the weeks following reimplantation. We will monitor your progress closely and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
If the tooth is too damaged or too much time has passed, DFWOMS offers advanced restorative solutions including dental implants, which are the closest long-term replacement to a natural tooth. Our surgeons will walk you through all available options and help you choose the best path for restoring your smile and function.
Coverage varies by plan. We work with most major dental insurance providers and accept Medicaid at all three of our locations. Our team will review your benefits and help you understand your options — don’t let insurance uncertainty delay seeking emergency care.
Ready for relief and recovery?
Our oral surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis are ready to guide you through every step — with the care, clarity, and clinical excellence you deserve. Schedule your consultation today.