A real knockoutWhen a permanent tooth is knocked out, your dentist may be able to re-implant it successfully if the tooth tissue is kept alive. Your chances of saving a tooth are good up to one hour after injury. Baby teeth are not usually re-implanted since they eventually come out anyway.What you can dowhen you injure or lose a permanent toothAvoid touching the root end of the tooth.As long as the tooth is not contaminated or dirty, and the person is alert and cooperative, place the tooth back in the gum socket, or have them hold it in the pouch of the cheek where saliva and blood will protect it.If unable to place the tooth in the mouth, put the tooth in cold milk, or a saline solution made of one-fourth teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water.Do not clean, wash or scrape the tooth. This may cause more damage.PreventionWear a protective dental guard or headgear when participating in sports.Know when and how to reach your dentist in an emergency.*16\303\2*