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Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth Management

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth Management

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Emergency Pediatric Dental Care in Moorestown & Cherry Hill, NJ

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies children can experience. It can happen suddenly—from a sports injury, a fall, or an accident—and knowing what to do in those first moments can help save your child’s smile.

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At Tooth Patrol Pediatric Dentistry, our board-certified pediatric dentists are trained to respond quickly and compassionately to dental trauma, including avulsed teeth (knocked-out permanent teeth). We provide expert care in a calm, kid-friendly environment to help children and parents feel reassured every step of the way.

Common Causes of Knocked-Out Teeth in Children

Our team regularly treats children with dental injuries at our Moorestown and Cherry Hill offices. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Sports-related trauma (football, basketball, gymnastics, etc.)

  • Playground accidents or falls

  • Bicycle, scooter, or car accidents

  • Blunt-force injuries to the mouth or jaw

 

If your child’s permanent tooth has been knocked out, quick action is critical. Contact us immediately so we can begin treatment as soon as possible.

Child holding jaw in pain after dental injury from knocked-out tooth in Moorestown, NJ
Young child in Moorestown experiencing jaw pain after knocked-out tooth, needing emergency pediatric dental care

What to Expect During a Knocked-Out Tooth Visit

When your child visits Tooth Patrol after a dental injury, we act fast to give them the best chance of saving their tooth and avoiding long-term complications.

 

Here’s how we handle these urgent situations:

  • Immediate examination of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding tissues

  • Attempt re-implantation of the permanent tooth if conditions are favorable

  • Placement of a stabilizing splint to hold the tooth in place

  • Digital X-rays to assess jaw and tooth structure

  • Clear, parent-friendly communication about treatment options and recovery

  • Personalized aftercare plan to prevent infection and support healing

 

We always welcome parents to stay during treatment, and we use gentle techniques and calming communication to help children feel safe and supported.

We’re Just a Call Away

We know that dental trauma can be frightening. That’s why our team is always ready to guide you through the steps to protect your child’s smile—whether on the phone or in our office. Parents are welcome during the entire visit, and we use gentle, reassuring techniques to help kids feel safe and calm.

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Knocked-out teeth require immediate action. If your child has lost a tooth, contact our Moorestown or Cherry Hill office right away. We’ll do everything we can to save your child’s tooth and restore their smile.

Child receiving care inside Tooth Patrol Pediatric Dentistry’s Moorestown office after knocked-out tooth emergency

What To Do in a Pediatric Dental Emergency

Confident Smiles
Gentle Techniques
Restored Function
Damage Relief
Step-by-Step: How to Respond to a Knocked-Out Tooth

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1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly
Time matters. Call our office immediately for instructions and head our way as soon as possible.

2. Handle the Tooth Carefully
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root, to avoid damage.

3. Rinse Gently if Dirty
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it lightly with milk, saline, or clean water—do not scrub or use soap.

4. Try to Reinsert the Tooth (Permanent Teeth Only)
If it’s a permanent tooth, gently place it back into the socket if you can, making sure it’s facing the right way. Have your child bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.

5. If Re-Implantation Isn’t Possible
Place the tooth in a cup of milk, saline solution, or your child’s saliva to keep it moist until you arrive at our office. Do not store it in plain water.

6. Keep Your Child Calm
Use soothing words, music, or a favorite toy to distract them on the way to our office.

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