Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, whether it’s the result of an accident, fall, or sports injury. A knocked out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies; however, quick action can save the tooth.
At Smile Solutions, we want you to be prepared for any dental emergency that comes your way. If your tooth has been knocked out, keep reading to learn what to do, how to preserve the tooth, and the importance of seeing a dentist immediately.
1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly
If your tooth gets knocked out, it’s important to stay calm so you can think clearly. It’s undoubtedly a distressing situation, but if you panic, you’re more likely to make mistakes that could cause you to lose the tooth. Take a deep breath and ask a friend for help.
Remember that it’s crucial to act quickly. If treated within 30 to 60 minutes, you have the best chance of saving your tooth and restoring your smile.
2. Find and Handle the Knocked Out Tooth Properly
If the tooth has fallen out of your mouth, locate it as quickly as possible. Once you find it, pick it up carefully by the crown (chewing surface). Avoid touching the root, as this can damage the root cells and impact the chance your tooth can be saved.
If the knocked out tooth is a baby tooth, there’s no need to try to preserve it. Baby teeth will eventually fall out naturally on their own. However, if your child has excessive bleeding or intense pain, they’ll still need to be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible to ensure no further damage has occurred. It’s also a good idea to bring the knocked out tooth to the dentist so they can examine it and get a better idea of what happened.
3. Clean the Tooth (If Necessary)
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline to remove contaminants. Avoid using soap or chemicals, and do not scrub it. After rinsing, do not dry the tooth or wrap it in a tissue or paper towel; keeping it moist is crucial for preserving root cells.
4. Reinsert If Possible
Next, reinsert the tooth, if possible. Gently place the tooth back into the socket and bite down softly on a piece of cloth or gauze to help keep it in place. This helps preserve the ligament and improves the chances of being able to save the tooth.
5. Keep the Tooth Moist if Reinsertion Isn’t Possible
If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk. Milk’s chemical makeup contains vital sugars, casein proteins, phosphorus, antibacterial agents, and calcium that help preserve the tooth while keeping it moist.
You can also keep the tooth inside your cheek; however, this should be avoided for young children who may not be able to avoid accidentally swallowing it.
As a last resort, you can spit into a small cup or container and put the tooth inside. Make sure there’s enough saliva to cover the tooth. Never store the tooth in water, as this can cause the root cells to swell and burst.
6. Get to the Dentist Immediately
In an emergency, every minute counts. Call ahead to let your dentist know you’re coming with a knocked out tooth. If the incident occurs outside office hours, go to the nearest emergency dentist or ER.
Once you get there, the dentist will likely reimplant the tooth and add a splint to stabilize it while it heals. Depending on the tooth’s condition, you may need a root canal later on.
If the tooth can’t be saved, you don’t have to have a gap in your smile forever. Once your mouth has healed from the trauma, you may be a good candidate for restorative options like implants, bridges, and partial dentures. Talk to your dentist about next steps and whether these treatments may be right for you.
Prevention Tips
Of course, it’s much better to prevent a knocked out tooth than try to save it. If you play sports or do high-impact physical activities, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Maintain good oral health to reduce risk of tooth loss from weaker gums or teeth, and use caution when biting hard foods.
Expert Emergency Dentistry at Smile Solutions
At Smile Solutions Dentistry, we’re here for you in any dental emergency. Call us immediately for the best chance of saving your knocked out tooth. When you get the right treatment as soon as possible, you can preserve your smile and protect your oral health.
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