A knocked-out tooth is a common dental emergency, but it can still be frightening. It is easy to panic and fail to take the necessary steps to save the tooth. Acting quickly is critical, and what you do in the short time following the incident can make all the difference when it comes to preserving the natural tooth for reinsertion.
This guide will help you to be prepared in case of a knocked out tooth and explain what to do if you find yourself, or someone in your care, in this situation.
Why Time Matters When a Tooth Is Knocked Out
When a tooth is knocked out of the socket it is separated from the surrounding tissues. This includes blood vessels, nerves, and the periodontal ligament that connects the tooth to the jawbone. What is most important when it comes to saving the tooth is keeping it moist and preventing it from drying out. The goal is to keep the soft tissue inside the tooth alive, which means the tooth needs to be returned to the socket (and its blood supply) as quickly as possible. Ideally, the tooth should be reinserted within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it. If a tooth is properly preserved, it may be possible to reinsert it within 60 minutes.
Immediate Steps to Take After Knocking Out a Tooth
Step-by-step guidance:
- Stay calm and locate the tooth. Don’t panic. Breathe evenly and attempt to find the tooth. Seek help if needed.
- Handle it only by the crown, not the root. When you locate the tooth, carefully pick it up by the chewing portion and avoid touching the root entirely.
- Gently rinse if dirty without scrubbing. If necessary, rinse the tooth carefully. Be sure to plug the drain or rinse in a cup or bowl to avoid losing the tooth.
- Try to place it back in the socket if possible. Sometimes you can reinsert the tooth successfully and bite down on some gauze to hold it in place until you can get to your dentist.
- If not, store it in milk or saliva. Do not store the tooth in water or allow it to dry out. Milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit are the best options for storing the tooth until it can be reimplanted.
- Seek emergency dental care immediately. Don’t wait to get help. Contact your dentist immediately and proceed to the office for treatment as soon as directed.
What Not to Do in This Situation
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Do not scrub or clean the root aggressively. This could damage the tooth, especially the root which is softer than the crown.
- Do not let the tooth dry out. If the tooth dries out the pulp on the inside will die and the tooth may not be savable.
- Do not wrap it in tissue or cloth. This accelerates the drying out process.
- Avoid delaying professional treatment. The longer you wait, the lower the chances of saving the tooth.
How a Dentist Can Save or Restore Your Tooth
When you get to the dental office, the dentist will start by inspecting the tooth. If it is viable, the tooth will be reinserted into the socket. After reimplantation, the tooth will be splinted to the neighboring teeth for support while the ligaments and gum tissue heal and tighten around the tooth. Follow-up care will be needed to ensure adequate healing.
In cases where the tooth can not be saved, there are alternative treatments such as dental implants or bridges to replace the lost tooth.These options restore dental function as well as your smile.
Acting Fast Can Save Your Smile
If you find yourself or someone in your care facing a knocked out tooth, be sure to follow the steps listed above and seek immediate care. Call Cosmetic Family Dentistry of West Milford at 973-728-3779 immediately in case of a dental emergency. We are always available to provide professional, emergency care for our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
Can a knocked-out tooth always be saved?
Successful reimplantation depends on how quickly the tooth is treated and how it is handled before reaching the dentist. Be sure to follow the suggested steps to preserve the tooth.
What is the best way to store a knocked-out tooth?
If you have a tooth preservation kit, often part of a first aid kit, that is the best way to store a knocked out tooth. Milk or saliva are the next best options to keep the tooth moist. Avoid using water.
At Cosmetic Family Dentistry of West Milford, we are committed to helping our patients handle dental emergencies with confidence and care. Our team provides prompt, compassionate treatment to protect your oral health when it matters most. If you experience a dental emergency, don’t wait to get the care you need call 973-728-3779 immediately. For non-emergency needs, contact us today.