Save any tooth that has been knocked out. Bring it to your dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less chance there is for your dentist to fix it. Hold the tooth only by the crown (chewing edge).

You can take the tooth to the dentist in one of these ways:

Try to place the tooth back in your mouth where it fell out, so it is level with other teeth. Bite down gently on a gauze or a wet tea bag to help keep it in place. Be careful not to swallow the tooth. If you cannot do the above step, place the tooth in a container and cover it with a small amount of cow's milk or saliva. You can also hold the tooth between your lower lip and gum or under your tongue. A tooth-saving storage device (Save-a-Tooth, EMT Tooth Saver) may be available at your dentist's office. This type of kit contains a travel case and fluid solution. Consider buying one for your home first aid kit.

Also follow these steps:

Apply a cold compress on the outside of your mouth and gums to ease pain. Apply direct pressure using gauze to control bleeding.

After your tooth has been replanted, you will most likely need a root canal to remove the cut nerve that is inside your tooth.

You may not need an emergency visit for a simple chip or a broken tooth that is not causing you discomfort. You should still have the tooth fixed to avoid sharp edges that can cut your lips or tongue.