Knocking out a tooth can be a frightening experience, whether it happens during a sporting event, a fall, or an unexpected accident. However, acting quickly and correctly can significantly increase the chances of saving the tooth. In fact, a knocked-out permanent tooth is considered a dental emergency that requires immediate attention.
Knowing what to do in the moments following the injury can make all the difference.
Step 1: Find the Tooth
If a tooth has been completely knocked out, carefully locate it as soon as possible. Pick it up by the crown, which is the visible chewing surface of the tooth.
Avoid touching the root whenever possible. The root contains delicate cells that are important for successful reattachment, and handling it can damage those cells.
If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the crown and gently rinse it with milk or clean water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any attached tissue fragments.
Step 2: Try to Reinsert the Tooth
If the tooth is a permanent tooth and the person is conscious and able to cooperate, gently attempt to place the tooth back into its socket.
Once positioned correctly, have the person bite down softly on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to help hold it in place.
Do not force the tooth into the socket if it does not go in easily. If reinsertion is not possible, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Keep the Tooth Moist
A knocked-out tooth should never be allowed to dry out. If you cannot reinsert it, place it in a container with milk or a tooth-preservation solution if one is available.
Some people may also be able to hold the tooth inside their cheek while traveling to the dentist, although this may not be appropriate for young children due to the risk of swallowing it.
Keeping the tooth moist helps preserve the cells needed for successful reattachment.
Step 4: Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
Time is critical when a tooth is knocked out. The best chance of saving the tooth often occurs when treatment is received within the first hour after the injury.
Contact your dentist immediately and explain that you have a knocked-out tooth. If your dentist is unavailable, seek emergency dental care as quickly as possible.
Prompt treatment greatly improves the likelihood of a successful outcome.
A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency, but staying calm and acting quickly can help protect your smile. Remember to handle the tooth carefully, keep it moist, and seek professional treatment right away. Being prepared for this type of emergency can make a stressful situation much easier to manage and may even help save a natural tooth.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been practicing dentistry for more than 25 years in the Conway community. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Since then, he’s completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses to sharpen his skills and stay current with the latest developments in his field. Today, Dr. Murph is a member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, book online or call (843) 488-4357.