The immediate need for dental care depends heavily on the situation at hand. For example, if you are involved in high-contact sports and experience a permanent adult tooth that becomes loose or knocked out, immediate care is vital to improve your chances of reattaching the tooth. A loose or knocked-out tooth needs care from a professional dentist within the first hour in most situations. However, other concerns, such as a broken partial denture or a loose crown, may be addressed by a dentist within the next 24 hours or during the next business day.