What to Do When a Permanent Tooth Gets Knocked Out
Act swiftly if one of your or your child’s permanent teeth is knocked out. Within an hour, you need to place the tooth back into its socket (the gap in your mouth where the tooth used to be) to increase its survival rate and chances of being reimplanted.
Take action to save the tooth by following these steps:
1. Locate the Tooth
When a tooth goes flying, locate it immediately. When you’ve found the knocked-out tooth, pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface area) and not by the roots (the pointy, yellowish part), which contain important fibers necessary for healing.
2. Clean the Tooth (Only if Necessary)
If the tooth is visibly dirty, gently rinse it in a homemade saline solution for a few seconds. You can use the following for the solution:
- 1 cup of warm water
- ½ – 1 tsp. of salt
Mix the salt and water until the salt is dissolved, and place your tooth in the solution. It’s important to avoid scrubbing the tooth or removing any attached gum tissue.
3. Visit the Dentist
A knocked-out tooth needs immediate medical attention. To give your tooth the best chance of survival, get in the car immediately and call us to let us know you’re on your way. We will prepare for your arrival and help you swiftly. Be sure to transport your tooth correctly to increase its chances of survival.
How to Transport a Knocked-Out Tooth
The best way to transport your tooth to the dentist is to place it back in the socket. Gently hold the tooth by the crown and wiggle the roots into the socket. Don’t try to force it into place to prevent root and tooth socket injury. If you’re able to reinsert your tooth, bite on something soft like gauze, a handkerchief or a napkin to keep it in place.
If reinsertion isn’t possible, you can simply keep the tooth in your cheek or under your tongue. The saliva in your mouth will help keep your tooth wet, but you must be careful not to swallow it accidentally.
Alternatively, store your tooth in milk, as it helps maintain the important fibers in the roots of the tooth. Place your tooth in a container, covering the entire tooth with milk. It’s best to use a container with a lid to prevent spills on your way to the dentist.
How a Dentist Fixes a Knocked-Out Tooth
Our experienced dentists provide fast and efficient knocked-out tooth treatment to help save your tooth and restore your brilliant smile.
If you were able to place your tooth in the socket before your dentist appointment, your dentist will evaluate your tooth for any damage and ensure it is in the correct position. They will thoroughly examine it and take an X-ray. To secure your tooth, your dentist may rely on a technique called splinting, where we temporarily secure your tooth to the teeth on either side. Splinting your tooth to the adjunct teeth for seven to 10 days helps prevent your tooth from moving so it can reattach to the bone.
If you could not reinsert the tooth yourself, your dentist would examine the tooth thoroughly. Then, they might numb the area around the socket and reinsert the tooth. They might also rely on splinting to hold your tooth in position temporarily.
After the procedure, your dentist will explain how to care for your tooth properly. Normally, this involves taking over-the-counter pain medication and some dietary adjustments. You’ll want to eat soft foods and chew on the healthy side of your mouth for the first few days. It’s also important to avoid touching the tooth to ensure it recovers well and stays in place.
