Knocked-Out Tooth in Calgary? Here’s How to Save Your Smile

Introduction

Few things are more shocking than having a tooth knocked out. Whether it happens during a hockey game, a fall, or even biting into something hard, a missing tooth can feel overwhelming. The good news? If handled properly, a knocked-out tooth can often be saved. But timing is critical.

In this blog, we’ll cover what to do immediately after losing a tooth, how to increase the chances of saving it, and when to contact Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary for same-day care.

Why a Knocked-Out Tooth Is a True Dental Emergency

When a tooth is knocked out (also called an “avulsed tooth”), the blood vessels and nerves are severed. Once this happens, the tooth begins to die within minutes. Acting fast can mean the difference between saving your natural tooth and needing a replacement such as an implant or bridge.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Right Away

1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly

Panic is natural, but every minute counts. The sooner the tooth is placed back in its socket or stored properly, the better the chances of saving it.

2. Handle the Tooth Correctly

• - Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white chewing surface).

• - Avoid touching the root, which is fragile and can easily be damaged.

3. Rinse Gently

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub, use soap, or dry it with a cloth.

4. Reinsert If Possible

Try to gently place the tooth back into its socket. Bite down softly on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.

5. Store It Safely If Reinsertion Isn’t Possible

If you cannot reinsert the tooth:

• Place it in a glass of milk.

• If milk is unavailable, store it in your own saliva by holding it in your cheek.

• Avoid storing in water, as it can damage the root cells.

How Soon Should You See a Dentist?

The “golden window” for saving a knocked-out tooth is 30–60 minutes. After an hour, the chances of successful reattachment drop significantly. That’s why it’s essential to call an emergency dentist in Calgary immediately.

At Inglewood Family Dental Emergency, we prioritize patients with knocked-out teeth and aim to see them right away.

Treatment Options After a Knocked-Out Tooth

• Reimplantation: If the tooth is preserved properly and reinserted quickly, it can often be saved.

• Splinting: The dentist may use a splint to stabilize the tooth while it heals.

• Root Canal: Once the tooth is stabilized, a root canal may be required to ensure long-term success.

• Replacement Options: If the tooth cannot be saved, we provide natural-looking solutions such as implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

FAQs About Knocked-Out Teeth

1. Can a baby tooth be saved if knocked out?

No. Baby teeth should not be reinserted. If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, call us for guidance on protecting their developing smile.

2. What if I can’t find the tooth?

If the tooth is missing, don’t panic. We can still treat the injury and recommend options such as implants or bridges to restore your smile.

3. Should I go to the ER instead of the dentist?

If you have uncontrollable bleeding or other severe injuries, visit the ER first. Otherwise, head straight to an emergency dentist.

Prevention Tips

While accidents can’t always be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports like hockey, football, or martial arts.

• Avoid using your teeth as tools (opening bottles, tearing packages).

• Schedule regular check-ups to ensure your teeth and gums are strong.

How Inglewood Family Dental Emergency Can Help

If you or your child has knocked out a tooth in Calgary:

• Call us immediately — we offer same-day appointments and prioritize dental trauma cases.

• Extended evening and weekend hours mean we’re available when emergencies happen outside business hours.

• Full restorative solutions ensure that whether your tooth can be saved or not, we’ll restore your smile and confidence.

Conclusion

A knocked-out tooth doesn’t have to mean the end of your smile — but only if you act fast. Remember: handle it carefully, keep it moist, and see a dentist within the first hour.

➡️ Call Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary right now for immediate help. Our team is ready to save your tooth and your smile.

👨‍⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh is a general dentist in Calgary and the owner of Inglewood Family Dental Emergency. With over 10 years of private practice experience and a teaching role at the University of Alberta School of Dentistry, he brings both clinical expertise and academic knowledge to every patient interaction.