A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if it’s handled correctly in the first hour: pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket or keep it in milk while you get to a dentist immediately. A cracked or chipped tooth without pain can usually wait for a same-day or next-day appointment, but a crack accompanied by sharp pain, especially with hot or cold, suggests the nerve is involved and needs prompt attention. Persistent, throbbing pain or visible swelling of the face or gums can indicate an infection, which should never be left untreated since it can spread — call an emergency line the same day rather than waiting it out.
July 21, 2026