Knocking out a tooth can be a frightening experience, whether it happens during a sporting event, a fall, a car accident, or another unexpected incident. A knocked-out permanent tooth is considered a dental emergency, and the actions you take in the first few minutes can significantly impact whether the tooth can be saved.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, stay calm and follow these 4 important steps.
1. Locate the Tooth and Handle It Carefully
The first thing you should do is find the tooth as quickly as possible. Once you’ve located it, pick it up by the crown, the chewing surface that is normally visible in your mouth.
Avoid touching the root whenever possible. The root contains delicate cells that help the tooth reattach to the surrounding tissues. Handling the root can damage these cells and reduce the chances of successful reimplantation.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or clean water for a few seconds. Do not scrub it, use soap, or wrap it in a tissue.
2. Try to Reinsert the Tooth
If the knocked-out tooth is a permanent tooth and you’re able to do so safely, gently place it back into its socket.
Once the tooth is in position, bite down softly on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to help keep it in place while you seek emergency dental care.
Do not force the tooth into the socket if it doesn’t fit easily. If reinsertion isn’t possible, move on to the next step.
It’s important to note that this recommendation applies only to permanent teeth. Baby teeth should not be reinserted because doing so can potentially damage the developing adult tooth underneath.
3. Keep the Tooth Moist
A knocked-out tooth should never be allowed to dry out. The longer the root remains dry, the lower the likelihood of saving the tooth.
If you cannot place the tooth back in its socket, store it in:
- Milk.
- A tooth preservation solution, if available.
- Saliva (such as inside your cheek if you’re able to do so safely).
Avoid storing the tooth in plain water for extended periods, as this can damage the root cells.
Keeping the tooth moist is one of the most important factors in preserving it until you reach the dentist.
4. Contact an Emergency Dentist Immediately
Time is critical when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. Ideally, you should see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury.
The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of successfully saving and reattaching the tooth. Your dentist will evaluate the injury, clean the area, stabilize the tooth if necessary, and recommend any additional treatment.
A knocked-out tooth may feel overwhelming but knowing what to do can make all the difference. By handling the tooth properly, keeping it moist, and seeking immediate dental care, you greatly improve the chances of preserving your natural smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sean Brown earned his dental degree from the University of Buffalo and completed his AEGD residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Throughout his career, he’s taken numerous hours of continuing education to stay up to date with the latest developments in the dental field at the Pikos Institute and SPEAR Education. Today, Dr. Brown is a member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t delay – book online or call our Doylestown office at (215) 348-2224.