Dealing with a knocked-out tooth can be a distressing experience but knowing what to do can make all the difference! Whether it’s due to a sports injury or a sudden fall, following the right steps is crucial to saving your tooth. If you’re in need of help, continue reading to find a step-by-step guide to handling this dental emergency.
1. Stay Calm and Retrieve the Tooth
As alarming as it may be, try to stay calm. Panicking can make it harder to think clearly and act with certainty. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing part) and avoid touching the roots as this can damage delicate tissues needed for reattachment.
2. Rinse and Reinsert (If Possible)
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly under cold running water. Do not scrub or use soap, as this can damage the connective tissues mentioned above.
If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket immediately. The best place for your tooth is back where it belongs. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze.
3. Keep the Tooth Moist and Call Your Dentist
If you can’t reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or saliva. Avoid storing it in water, as this can damage the cells on the root surface.
Time is of the essence when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. Within 30 minutes of being outside of the socket, the odds of successful reattachment go down significantly. So, contact your dentist right away for further instructions and to schedule an emergency appointment.
4. See Your Dentist and Follow Instructions
Once you’re at your dentist’s office, they’ll bring you in and reinsert your tooth, building a stint to hold it in place while it heals. They may also offer pain medication and antibiotics to help with discomfort and prevent infection. Otherwise, a follow-up appointment might be necessary to assess the tooth as it may require a root canal. Try to adhere to your dentist’s instructions to avoid this possibility!
Knowing what to do when you knock out a tooth can help increase the chances of saving it and preserving your smile. By following these steps, you can take charge of the situation and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. If you find yourself in a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. As you can see, being prepared and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in saving a knocked-out tooth.
About the Author
Dr. Raj Vekariya is a skilled and compassionate dentist who enjoys helping his patients get out of pain and restore their smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. Since then, he has continued to study and practice dentistry, learning all he can to better serve his patients. Call (724) 300-3700 to schedule an emergency dental appointment at Center One Dental or visit the website to discover other services they provide.