Accidents happen—it’s one of the laws of the universe. They happen on the field, at work, or even just walking down the stairs in your own home. One minute your tooth is where it belongs, and the next it’s on the ground, and you’re in pain. So, what do you do? Should you try to put it back in yourself, or rush to your dentist? Here’s what you need to know about saving a knocked-out tooth in a dental emergency.
You Can Put Your Tooth Back (If You’re Careful)
Believe it or not, yes, you can put a knocked-out tooth back in its socket—but only if you follow a few critical steps and get to a dentist quickly. Timing is everything. The first 30 to 60 minutes after a tooth is dislodged are crucial. The longer it stays out of your mouth, the lower the chances of saving it.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Safely
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of losing a permanent tooth, here’s what to do:
- Pick it up by the crown (top), not the root. The root is delicate and covered in cells that help the tooth reattach.
- Do NOT scrub or wipe the tooth. Gently rinse it with milk or saline if it’s dirty. Tap water can damage those critical root cells by causing them to burst.
- Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. To do so, gently push the tooth back into place and bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place. If it doesn’t go in easily, don’t force it!
- If you can’t put the tooth back in, keep it moist. Put the tooth in a cup of milk, a saline solution, or tuck it between your cheek and gums.
Head to the Dentist
Regardless of whether you manage to put the tooth back in or not, you should still get emergency dental care right away. Your dentist will need to stabilize the tooth and check for any damage. Time is your best friend in this situation, so don’t wait. The sooner you get to your dentist’s office, the better the outcome will be.
Knocking out a tooth can be scary, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. If the tooth is handled correctly, there’s a real chance of saving it, but only if you act fast and follow the proper steps. Bookmark this blog for later. There’s no telling when disaster may strike, and having the information handy could save your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Piro Leno is a friendly and highly knowledgeable dentist with nearly two decades of experience. He earned his dental doctorate from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has since then continued to expand his skills through additional education and training. Call (781) 546-4465 to schedule an emergency appointment at Melrose Dental Group or visit our website to see a full menu of other services.