Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion) from Sports in San Juan Capistrano: Save It in 30 Minutes
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Short answer: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown (white part), gently rinse if dirty, reinsert it immediately, and bite on gauze. If you can’t reinsert, keep it moist in milk or in your cheek and call us right away. Do not reinsert a baby tooth. Replanting within 15–60 minutes gives the best chance to save the tooth.
We help athletes and families in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente. Start here: Emergency Dental Care →
First-aid: the 30-minute plan (adult teeth)
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown—not the root. If dirty, gently rinse with milk or saline; don’t scrub.
Reinsert immediately (if possible): line it up and push it back into the socket; bite gently on gauze to hold it in place.
If you can’t reinsert: place it in milk or in your cheek to keep it moist while you head to the dentist. A tooth-preservation kit is great if available. Don’t use water.
Call us now at (949) 496-5585 and head to the office: Emergency Dental Care · Schedule an appointment
Life-threatening symptoms (trouble breathing/swallowing, heavy bleeding, head/neck trauma) → go to the ER first, then see a dentist for definitive care.
Babies vs. permanent teeth (what parents need to know)
Do not reinsert baby teeth. Replanting primary teeth can harm the developing permanent tooth. Keep your child comfortable and call us for guidance.
Permanent teeth: reinsert immediately or keep moist and see a dentist ASAP—every minute counts for ligament cell survival.
More help for families: Children’s Dentistry
What we do in-office (and why time matters)
Stabilize and splint the tooth, check for other injuries, and confirm placement with X-rays.
For most avulsed adult teeth, a root canal is needed soon after replantation to prevent infection and resorption—we’ll perform this or coordinate with a trusted endodontist.
We’ll set a follow-up schedule (weeks → months) to monitor healing and the bite.
Related info: Root Canals · Tooth Extractions · Dental Implants (if a tooth cannot be saved)
Sports prevention: mouthguards win games (and smiles)
A properly fitted mouthguard reduces the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries. We can guide you on boil-and-bite vs. custom options; custom guards offer the best fit and comfort.
Add a mouthguard to your sports checklist—and to your child’s, too: Children’s Dentistry
Local next steps (South OC)
Tooth just got knocked out? Call now: Emergency Dental Care
Prefer to book online? Schedule an appointment
Want to lower risk long-term? Preventive Care
FAQs: Knocked-Out Tooth (Sports Avulsion)
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Best outcomes are when the tooth is replanted within ~15 minutes; workable outcomes up to 60 minutes if the tooth is kept moist. Don’t delay.
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Milk or your cheek are good options; specialized preservation kits are even better. Avoid tap water.
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Often yes for adult teeth—timing depends on root development and exam findings. We’ll discuss the plan at your visit.
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No. Do not reinsert primary teeth—call us for instructions and evaluation.
Helpful outside resources
ADA MouthHealthy — Dental Emergencies: step-by-step for knocked-out teeth.
IADT 2020 Dental Trauma Guidelines: evidence-based protocols for avulsion.
AAE — Traumatic Dental Injuries: endodontic guidance on avulsed teeth.
Mayo Clinic — Tooth Loss First Aid: quick overview for the public.
