Help With Failing, Missing, or Knocked-Out Teeth

Close-up of a person's mouth with missing and discolored teeth, showing an unhappy expression.

A failing, missing, or knocked-out tooth refers to a dental condition where a tooth becomes dislodged, either partially or completely, from its socket.


  • Failing Tooth | This typically refers to a tooth that is in the process of deteriorating or experiencing issues such as decay, infection, or has structural damage. The tooth might not necessarily be completely dislodged but has started to severely decay or become loose.
  • Missing Tooth | A missing tooth is where a tooth is entirely absent from its socket. This could be due to various medical and dental conditions, trauma, extraction, or congenital absence, and where the tooth was not immediately replaced.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth | Also known as an avulsed tooth, this occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket due to trauma or injury. This can happen due to accidents, sports injuries, or other forceful impacts to the mouth.

In any case, a dislodged or missing tooth can be a serious dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If a tooth has been knocked-out, it is crucial to seek dental care promptly as there might be a chance to save the tooth. Our dentist can provide the appropriate treatment, which might involve reimplanting a knocked-out tooth or using a dental implant, dental bridge, or dentures to replace a missing tooth. The best treatment option for your missing or knocked-out tooth will depend on the severity and the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures.

What To Do If You Have A Failing, Missing, or Knocked-Out Tooth

The actions to take if you have a failing, missing, or knocked-out tooth can significantly impact your chances of saving the tooth. Here are the steps to take in each scenario:


  •  Failing Tooth | If you suspect a tooth is failing due to decay, infection, or structural damage, see our dentist as soon as possible. Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing around the affected tooth, and use mouthwash to keep the area clean. Avoid chewing on the affected side to prevent further issues to the tooth and be sure to follow any specific instructions or recommendations given to you by our dentist.
  •  Knocked-Out Tooth | Act quickly. Time is crucial in potentially saving a knocked-out tooth. Retrieve the tooth without touching its root. Rinse the tooth gently in warm water or milk, and avoid removing any attached tissues. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth in its socket and hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze while you make your way to our office, or to the hospital. If reinsertion is not possible, keep the knocked-out tooth in milk (not water) and seek immediate emergency dental care.


In any case of dental emergency involving a failing, missing, or knocked-out tooth, seeking prompt professional dental care is vital. Contact our dentist or visit a hospital emergency room immediately.


Failing Dental Implants


Dental implant failure refers to a condition where a dental implant does not successfully fulfill its intended function. This failure can occur at different stages, including during the initial healing period after implant placement or even years after the successful integration of the implant. There are two primary categories of dental implant failure:


  1.  Early Implant Failure | This occurs within a few months after the implant placement and before the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone (osseointegration). Causes of early failure may include inadequate bone integration, infection, implant mobility, or implant fracture.
  2.  Late Implant Failure | This occurs months or years after successful implantation and osseointegration. Late failure may result from a variety of factors, such as peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant), bone loss around the implant site, mechanical issues such as abutment or prosthetic complications, or even systemic health issues such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases.


Several other factors contribute to implant failure, including poor oral hygiene leading to infections or gum diseases around the implant area, insufficient bone density or quality at the implant site, improperly placed implants, excessive biting forces or parafunctional habits (teeth grinding), smoking, and certain systemic health conditions that can compromise healing and bone integration.


Symptoms of dental implant failure may include pain, swelling, mobility of the implant, discomfort while chewing, gum recession around the implant, or visible signs of infection. Addressing implant failure often involves a comprehensive assessment by a dental professional. Treatment may range from non-surgical interventions such as antibiotics, professional cleaning, or adjustments, to more invasive procedures such as implant removal, bone grafting, or replacing the failed implant. Preventive measures including regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene, following post-implant care instructions, and lifestyle modifications, play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of implant failure and ensuring their long-term success.

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