Steps to Take if a Tooth is Knocked Out

Five Steps to Take If Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out

When it happens, do you know what to do? Putting the right plan in action can save your tooth, but you need to act quickly. 

1. Save the Tooth

If it's still in your mouth and hanging loosely, press it back into place very gently and leave it there for the time being. Don't pull it out, and don't push it hard against the gum. You can wrap it in cotton gauze or a soft cloth if you wish. 

Keeping your tooth in your mouth is the best way to keep it moist and protected until you can get to your dentist. 

If your tooth has detached from your gums already, don't leave it in your mouth. You might accidentally swallow it.

2. Put It In Milk

Did your tooth fall out? If you can locate the tooth, pick it up and save it before it gets lost or trampled underfoot. Put the tooth in a baggie or any type of container with a tight lid. 

Have you heard that you should put a knocked-out tooth in milk? Unlike some old wives' tales, this one is true. Milk will keep the tooth from drying out and breaking until you can get to your dentist. If you don't have any, use warm saltwater.

3. Call Your Dentist

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency. Your best chance of saving your tooth is to get to a dentist in 30 minutes. Call your dentist's office, explain what happened and let them know you're on the way. 

If your dentist isn't available, you'll have to go to your nearest dental emergency clinic or the emergency room of a hospital.

4. Are You Bleeding?

If you're bleeding too heavily to see your tooth, rinse your mouth very gently with warm saltwater. If your tooth is still attached but loose, don't dislodge it. Once you assess the damage, you can see if you need to leave the tooth in your mouth or put it in milk.

5. Ease the Pain

If you're in severe pain, take an aspirin or other over-the-counter pain medication. You can also apply an ice pack to the outside of your jaw. Don't do anything that eats up a lot of valuable time. Getting to the dental office should be your priority. 

What Will Your Dentist Do for a Knocked-Out Tooth?

People often wonder if a dislodged tooth can be saved. If you got to the dentist in time and the tooth is whole, you have a good chance of successfully reattaching your tooth.

Your dentist will use one of several techniques:

Splint: In this treatment, your dentist attaches the tooth to its neighbor using a small splint. Over time, your tooth will regrow its roots. It usually takes about three months for the tooth to get rooted in the jawbone again. 

Root canal: In this procedure, your dentist removes the nerve of the tooth in an effort to preserve its viability

Implant or bridge:  If your tooth is not able to be re-implanted - your dentist may recommend these treatment modalities to replace your lost tooth.

Malan Family Dentistry Is Here for All Your Dental Needs

At Malan Family Dentistry, we want to help you keep your healthy, attractive smile. If you have a knocked-out tooth or another serious dental concern, call us at 910-895-5210.