A knocked-out tooth is one of the true dental emergencies, and every minute counts. When handled correctly in the first 30 minutes, there is a real chance of saving the tooth entirely. When handled incorrectly or when treatment is delayed, the window closes fast.

If you or someone with you has just had a tooth knocked out in Denver, here’s exactly what to do right now: Call Primary Dental immediately at (303) 433-1239.

Step 1: Find the Tooth and Handle It Correctly

Pick up the tooth by the crown, the white part you normally see when you smile. Do not touch the root. The tiny ligament fibers on the root surface are what allow the tooth to reattach to the socket, and touching them can damage or kill those cells.

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water or milk for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub it, wrap it in tissue, or let it dry out.

Step 2: Keep the Tooth Alive

The tooth needs to stay moist and protected until you reach the dentist. Your options, in order of preference:

Back in the socket, if you can, gently place the tooth back into the empty socket and hold it there with light finger pressure or by biting down softly on a clean cloth. This is the ideal environment for the root cells.

In milk, cow’s milk is an excellent short-term storage medium because its pH and protein content are compatible with root cells. Avoid water if possible, as it is not isotonic and can cause root cells to swell and die more quickly.

Under the tongue: If you’re an adult and not at risk of swallowing it, holding the tooth there keeps it in a saliva-rich environment.

Step 3: Get to Primary Dental Immediately

Call us at (303) 433-1239 as you’re on the way. Let us know it’s a dental emergency, and we will prioritize your care. The ideal window for re-implantation is within 30 minutes. After an hour out of the socket, survival rates drop significantly.

Primary Dental is located at 5801 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80212. We are open Monday through Thursday with extended hours, and on Fridays until noon.

Other Dental Emergencies We Treat at Primary Dental

A knocked-out tooth is the most time-sensitive emergency, but our emergency dentist handles all urgent dental situations same-day, including:

Severe toothache or abscess: An abscess is a bacterial infection that can spread rapidly if untreated. Swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth alongside a toothache are warning signs that need immediate attention.

Cracked or broken tooth: A cracked tooth can expose the nerve and cause intense pain. Depending on severity, it may be saved with a crown or require extraction.

Lost filling or crown: A missing restoration leaves the underlying tooth vulnerable and sensitive. We can often recement or replace it the same day.

Dental injuries from sports or accidents: Our team assesses the full extent of trauma, including any impact to surrounding teeth, gums, and jaw.

After-Hours Dental Emergencies in Denver

If you are a current Primary Dental patient and experience a dental emergency outside of regular office hours. We are committed to our patients’ care around the clock and will connect you with next steps, even outside normal business hours.

Don’t Wait – Contact Us Now

Dental emergencies are stressful, but quick action makes a real difference in outcomes. Our bilingual, compassionate team at Primary Dental is ready to help you, no matter what has happened. Call (303) 433-1239 now or book an online appointment now.

Knocked Out a Tooth in Denver? Here’s What to Do in the Next 30 Minutes