Can a knocked-out tooth really be put back in? That sounds made up

Absolutely yes — this is called reimplantation, and it works. If the tooth is handled correctly and you get to us fast, we can put the tooth back in the socket, stabilize it, and in many cases it will reattach and function normally. This is the #1 treatment goal for avulsed teeth.

What if the tooth is a baby tooth? Should I still try to save it?

No. Baby teeth should NOT be reimplanted — doing so can actually damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. But you should still bring the tooth to us so we can confirm it’s a baby tooth and not a permanent one, and we’ll monitor the area to make sure the permanent tooth develops properly.

How do I know if my child's tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth?

Baby teeth are generally smaller and whiter. Permanent teeth are larger, slightly more yellow-tinged, and have more prominent edges. If you’re not sure, bring both the tooth and the child to us — we’ll identify it right away with a quick exam and X-ray.

What if the tooth breaks instead of coming out completely?

A broken or chipped tooth is called a fractured tooth, and it’s still a dental emergency, especially if the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) is exposed. Bring any broken pieces with you. We can often bond them back on, or we’ll determine the best restoration option.

Can they tell at school or on the field if a tooth is knocked out versus just a chip?

Sometimes, but not always. Any significant dental impact that causes pain, mobility, bleeding, or a missing tooth is an emergency. Don’t wait to “see how it feels later.