A fall at the skate park, an elbow during a pickup game, a trip on the stairs. When a permanent tooth gets knocked out, the next hour matters more than anything else. Teeth that are put back in place quickly have the best chance of reattaching.
Here’s exactly what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Find the Tooth and Pick It Up by the Crown
Hold the tooth by the white chewing part, not the root. The root is covered in delicate cells that help it reattach, and touching or scrubbing them lowers the chances of saving the tooth.
Step 2: Rinse Gently if It’s Dirty
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it for a few seconds under cool water or with milk. Don’t scrub it, dry it, or wrap it in a tissue.
Step 3: Try to Put It Back
If you can, gently push the tooth back into its socket, facing the right way. Then bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place. Don’t force it.
Step 4: If It Won’t Go Back, Keep It Wet
A tooth that dries out is much harder to save. If you can’t put it back, place it in a small container of milk. You can also keep it in your mouth between your cheek and gum, as long as there’s no risk of swallowing it. Young children shouldn’t do this. Plain water isn’t ideal, so use milk if you have it.
Step 5: Call a Dentist Right Away
Time is the biggest factor. Call Siena Dental at (737) 766-7226. We hold time for same-day emergency visits Monday through Thursday, and you don’t need to be an existing patient. If it’s after hours or there’s a serious injury to the face or jaw, go to the emergency room.
What Happens at the Dentist
If the tooth can be saved, your dentist will clean the area, place the tooth back in its socket, and attach it to the neighboring teeth with a soft splint for a few weeks while it heals. The tooth may need a root canal later, since the nerve is often damaged. We’ll check it with X-rays at follow-up visits.
What About Baby Teeth?
Don’t put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. It can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Still, call us so we can check your child’s mouth for other injuries.
If the Tooth Can’t Be Saved
Sometimes a tooth can’t be reattached. The good news is there are excellent ways to replace it, including a single tooth implant or a dental bridge. We’ll talk through your options once the area has healed.
How to Prevent It
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports, skateboarding, and biking.
- Buckle up in the car and use proper car seats for kids.
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
Save our number in your phone now so you have it when you need it: (737) 766-7226.
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