A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies there is, and when it happens at work, you are suddenly dealing with two things at once: saving the tooth, and navigating a WorkCover claim NSW process you may never have needed before.
The good news is that a knocked-out tooth emergency can often be resolved successfully if you act quickly and correctly.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do in the critical first minutes after a tooth avulsion, followed by the steps to lodge a WorkCover dental claim in NSW so you are not left out of pocket for treatment.
First: Act Fast to Save the Tooth
An avulsed tooth, or a tooth completely knocked out of its socket, is a genuine race against time. The cells on the root surface begin to die within 15 to 60 minutes of the tooth being out of the mouth. Reimplanting the tooth within the first 30 minutes gives the best chance of saving it.
Here is the step-by-step avulsed tooth management to follow immediately.
Step 1: Find the Tooth and Pick It Up by the Crown
Locate the tooth straight away. Pick it up by the crown and never touch the root. The root surface contains delicate cells that are essential for successful reattachment, and handling them can reduce the chance of the tooth surviving.
Step 2: Gently Rinse If Dirty
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub it, use soap, or wrap it in tissue or cloth. Do not let it dry out.
Step 3: Try to Reinsert It
If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket, root first, and hold it in place by biting down softly on a clean cloth or gauze. This is the single best storage option for a knocked-out tooth.
Note: Never attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth. This applies to adult teeth only.
Step 4: If You Can’t Reinsert It, Store It Correctly
If reinserting the tooth is not possible, keep it moist. The best storage options are:
- Milk — the ideal choice, as it protects the root cells
- Saliva — hold the tooth between your cheek and gum (for adults only)
- Saline solution — if available
Avoid storing the tooth in water, as this damages the root cells. Proper tooth storage in milk or the socket during a workplace emergency can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth.
Step 5: Get to a Dentist Within 30 to 60 Minutes
Time is everything. Contact an emergency dentist immediately and get there within 30 to 60 minutes. Bring the tooth stored as described above.
To know more on whether you’re having a dental emergency or not, our article on what counts as a dental emergency can help you understand how urgent your situation is if you are unsure.
What Happens at the Dental Clinic
When you arrive, the dentist will assess the tooth and socket, clean the area, and reimplant the tooth if it has not already been reinserted. The tooth is then usually stabilised with a splint attached to the neighbouring teeth for a period of time to allow it to reattach.
In most cases, a reimplanted tooth will also need root canal treatment at a follow-up appointment, because the blood supply to the tooth is severed during avulsion.
If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist might have to discuss replacement options such as a dental implant, a bridge, or a denture.
Lodging a WorkCover Claim in NSW for a Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth was knocked out at work, you may be entitled to have your dental treatment covered through a WorkCover dental claim. A tooth knocked out at work compensation claim falls under the NSW workers’ compensation scheme, managed by icare. Here is how the process works.
Step 1: Report the Injury to Your Employer
Notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible, ideally in writing. Record the date, time, location, and how the injury happened. Under NSW law, this is the essential first step in any WorkCover claim now.
Step 2: Your Employer Notifies the Insurer
Once notified, your employer is required to notify their workers’ compensation insurer (usually an icare scheme agent such as EML, Allianz, or GIO) within 48 hours. This creates the basis for your claim and can trigger provisional payments for medical treatment.
Step 3: See a Doctor for a Certificate of Capacity
You will need a SIRA Certificate of Capacity from your doctor. This document records the injury and is the key piece of medical evidence for your icare NSW workplace injury claim. Make sure you keep copies of everything.
Step 4: Lodge Your Claim
You can lodge your claim through your employer, directly with the insurer, or via the icare portal. There is no cost to lodge a workers’ compensation claim, and in NSW you generally have six months from the date of injury to make a claim.
Keep records of all dental invoices, receipts, and reports related to your treatment.
Step 5: Keep Documentation for Ongoing Treatment
Because a knocked-out tooth often requires follow-up care, like splinting, root canal treatment, and potentially a crown or implant later, keep detailed records throughout. This documentation supports your WorkCover dental claim for the full course of treatment, not just the initial emergency visit.
Can a WorkCover Claim Be Reopened in NSW?
A common question asked is whether a WorkCover claim can be reopened in NSW. For example, if the reimplanted tooth fails months later and needs to be replaced with an implant. The answer depends on the circumstances and how the original claim was managed.
In some cases, if further treatment is required for the same work-related injury, additional expenses may be claimable under the existing claim. However, time limits and specific conditions apply, and reopening or extending a claim can be complex.
We recommend speaking with your treating dentist and a qualified workers’ compensation legal adviser to understand your options. If your claim has been denied, we can refer you to Spinak Lawyers. Our contact, Andy, from Spinak Lawyers, offers a no-win, no-fee service to help appeal denied claims.
Our clinic can also provide the clinical documentation needed to support an ongoing or reopened claim where appropriate.
We’re Here to Help With Emergency Dental Care and WorkCover in Merrylands
A knocked-out tooth at work is stressful, but you do not have to navigate it alone. At Dentist Near Me Merrylands, we provide emergency dental care for patients across Western Sydney and support eligible WorkCover patients with the treatment and documentation they need. And if your claim is ever denied, we can connect you with Spinak Lawyers for no-win, no-fee legal support.
If you have knocked out a tooth at work, call us immediately at (02) 9718 9469 so we can see you as quickly as possible.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice.
Important Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out at work?
Pick the tooth up by the crown, avoid touching the root, and gently rinse it with milk or saline if dirty. Try to reinsert it into the socket, or store it in milk if you cannot.
Then get to an emergency dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible to begin a WorkCover claim in NSW.
How long do I have to save an avulsed tooth?
An avulsed tooth has the best chance of survival if reimplanted within 30 minutes. After that, you generally have a window of about 30 to 60 minutes to reach a dentist with the tooth stored correctly in milk or saliva.
The root cells begin to die quickly once the tooth is out of the mouth, so acting fast is critical to successful avulsed tooth management.
Can I claim dental treatment on WorkCover in NSW?
Yes. If your tooth was knocked out in a workplace accident, your dental treatment may be covered through a WorkCover dental claim under the NSW workers’ compensation scheme. Report the injury to your employer, obtain a Certificate of Capacity from your doctor, and lodge your claim with the insurer or through icare.
Dentist Near Me Merrylands supports eligible WorkCover patients with treatment and documentation.
Why is milk recommended for storing a knocked-out tooth?
Milk is the ideal storage option for a knocked-out tooth emergency because it protects the delicate cells on the root surface, maintaining the right pH balance and preventing them from swelling or bursting. Water should be avoided, as it damages these cells.
If milk is not available, saliva is the next best option for tooth storage in a socket emergency.
Can a WorkCover claim be reopened in NSW?
In some cases, yes. If further treatment is needed for the same work-related dental injury, such as an implant after a reimplanted tooth fails, additional expenses may be claimable under the existing claim.
However, time limits and conditions apply. We recommend speaking with a qualified workers’ compensation legal adviser, such as Spinak Lawyers, who offer a no-win, no-fee service, to understand whether reopening your workcover claim may be possible in your situation.
What if my knocked-out tooth cannot be saved?
If a tooth avulsion cannot be successfully treated, your dentist will discuss replacement options such as a dental implant, bridge, or denture.
These may also be claimable as part of your WorkCover dental claim if the injury occurred at work. Keep all documentation to support the ongoing treatment.