A knocked-out tooth can happen without warning. Sports injuries, slips and falls, car accidents, or biting into something hard can suddenly turn into a serious dental emergency.
The good news is that fast action can often save your tooth.
If you need an emergency dentist in Virginia Beach, getting treatment quickly is extremely important. The first 30 minutes after a tooth is knocked out are critical for protecting your smile and improving the chances of successful treatment.
At Lakeshore Dental, we provide same day emergency dental care for patients experiencing urgent dental problems in Virginia Beach and nearby communities.

April 29, 2026
What Should You Do if a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
If your tooth gets knocked out:
Fast treatment gives your dentist the best chance to save your natural tooth.
Pick up the tooth by the crown only
Rinse it gently without scrubbing
Try placing it back into the socket
Keep it moist in milk or saline solution
Contact an emergency dentist immediately
Fast treatment gives your dentist the best chance to save your natural tooth.
Why a Knocked-Out Tooth Is a Dental Emergency
A knocked-out tooth, also called an avulsed tooth, occurs when the entire tooth comes out of the gum socket.
This is considered a true dental emergency because the tissues and cells around the root begin to weaken quickly once exposed to air. Without prompt care, the tooth may not survive.
Seeking immediate emergency dental care in Virginia Beach can help:
This is considered a true dental emergency because the tissues and cells around the root begin to weaken quickly once exposed to air. Without prompt care, the tooth may not survive.
Seeking immediate emergency dental care in Virginia Beach can help:
Save the natural tooth
Reduce pain and swelling
Prevent infection
Protect surrounding teeth
Avoid more extensive treatment later
What to Do Within the First 30 Minutes
Find the Tooth Carefully
Locate the tooth immediately and hold it only by the top chewing surface, known as the crown. Avoid touching the root because it contains delicate cells necessary for reattachment.Rinse the Tooth Gently
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it lightly using:
Cold milk
Saline solution
Clean water for only a few seconds
Do not:
- Scrub the tooth
- Use soap or chemicals
- Wrap the tooth in dry tissue
Try to Place the Tooth Back Into the Socket
If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket facing the correct direction. Bite softly on clean gauze or cloth to help keep it stable until your urgent dentist appointment.Keep the Tooth Moist
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in:- Milk
- Saline solution
- A tooth preservation container
Never allow the tooth to dry out completely.
Contact a Same Day Dentist in Virginia Beach
The sooner you receive treatment, the better the chances of saving the tooth. At Lakeshore Dental, our team works to provide fast appointments for patients needing a same day dentist Virginia Beach for urgent dental emergencies.Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?
Yes, in many cases a knocked-out tooth can be saved with immediate professional care. Dentists typically have the best success rates when treatment happens within 30 to 60 minutes after the injury.
Several factors affect whether the tooth can be successfully reattached:
This is why contacting an emergency dental office in Virginia Beach immediately is so important.
Several factors affect whether the tooth can be successfully reattached:
How quickly treatment begins
How the tooth was stored
Damage to the root or surrounding bone
Overall oral health
This is why contacting an emergency dental office in Virginia Beach immediately is so important.
When You Should Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
Some dental problems should never wait for treatment. Delaying care can increase the risk of infection, permanent tooth damage, and more serious complications.
Contact an emergency dentist immediately if you experience:
Seeking fast emergency dental care in Virginia Beach can help protect your oral health and improve the chances of saving your natural tooth.
Contact an emergency dentist immediately if you experience:
A knocked-out permanent tooth
Severe or worsening tooth pain
Heavy bleeding that does not stop
Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face
A cracked or broken tooth causing pain
Signs of infection, including swelling or fever
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Dental injuries from sports or accidents
Seeking fast emergency dental care in Virginia Beach can help protect your oral health and improve the chances of saving your natural tooth.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long After a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
A knocked-out tooth requires immediate professional treatment. Waiting too long can reduce the chances of saving the tooth and may lead to long-term dental problems.
Without prompt emergency dental care, patients may experience:
This is why visiting a same day emergency dentist in Virginia Beach as quickly as possible is extremely important after a dental injury.
Without prompt emergency dental care, patients may experience:
Permanent tooth loss
Infection in the gums or bone
Bone loss near the missing tooth
Shifting of nearby teeth
Bite alignment problems
More extensive dental treatment later
This is why visiting a same day emergency dentist in Virginia Beach as quickly as possible is extremely important after a dental injury.
What Happens During Emergency Dental Treatment?
When you visit Lakeshore Dental for emergency care, your dentist will:
In some situations, additional treatment such as root canal therapy or restorative care may be needed later. Our goal is always to relieve pain quickly while protecting your long-term oral health.
Examine the injured area
Check for fractures or hidden damage
Clean the tooth and socket
Attempt to reposition the tooth
Stabilize the tooth with a splint if necessary
Recommend follow-up treatment for long-term protection
In some situations, additional treatment such as root canal therapy or restorative care may be needed later. Our goal is always to relieve pain quickly while protecting your long-term oral health.
Why Patients Trust Lakeshore Dental for Emergency Care
When patients search for an emergency dentist in Virginia Beach, they want fast treatment from a dental team they can trust. At Lakeshore Dental, we focus on:
We understand that dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, and our team is committed to helping patients receive prompt and reliable care when they need it most.
Same day emergency appointments
Compassionate patient care
Modern dental technology
Personalized treatment plans
Comfortable and stress-free visits
We understand that dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, and our team is committed to helping patients receive prompt and reliable care when they need it most.
How to Help Prevent Dental Emergencies
Although accidents cannot always be avoided, you can lower your risk by:
Preventive dental care plays an important role in protecting your smile from unexpected injuries.
Wearing a mouthguard during sports
Avoiding chewing ice or hard objects
Visiting your dentist regularly
Treating cavities and weak teeth early
Addressing loose teeth promptly
Preventive dental care plays an important role in protecting your smile from unexpected injuries.
Contact Lakeshore Dental for Emergency Dental Care in Virginia Beach
If you need an emergency dentist Virginia Beach, do not wait for the problem to become worse. Fast treatment can help save your tooth, reduce pain, and prevent long-term complications.
At Lakeshore Dental in Virginia Beach, VA, we proudly provide:
Our experienced dental team is committed to providing prompt, comfortable, and reliable emergency dental treatment when you need it most. Call our office today or schedule your emergency dental appointment online for fast, professional care.
At Lakeshore Dental in Virginia Beach, VA, we proudly provide:
Emergency dental care Virginia Beach
Same day emergency appointments
Treatment for knocked-out teeth
Urgent dentist appointments
Compassionate dental care for emergencies
Our experienced dental team is committed to providing prompt, comfortable, and reliable emergency dental treatment when you need it most. Call our office today or schedule your emergency dental appointment online for fast, professional care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I see a dentist after a tooth gets knocked out?
You should seek emergency dental care immediately. The first 30 minutes are extremely important for improving the chances of saving the tooth.
Can an emergency dentist save my knocked-out tooth?
Yes. In many cases, an emergency dentist can successfully reattach the tooth if treatment happens quickly.
What is the best way to store a knocked-out tooth?
Milk or saline solution is usually recommended because they help protect the root cells until you reach the dentist.
Does Lakeshore Dental offer same day emergency dental care?
Yes. Lakeshore Dental provides same day emergency dental care whenever possible for patients experiencing urgent dental problems.
What should I avoid doing with a knocked-out tooth?
Do not scrub the tooth, touch the root, or allow it to dry out completely.
Is severe tooth pain considered a dental emergency?
Yes. Severe tooth pain may indicate infection, nerve damage, or hidden dental trauma and should be evaluated promptly.



