Did you know that around 5 million teeth get knocked out of place each year throughout the U.S.? Many of these dental emergencies occur during sports, but they can also happen as a result of falls or other accidents. If one of your teeth gets knocked out, what should you do? Of course, you should visit your dentist ASAP. But should you try to put the tooth back in its socket before you receive professional care? This blog post provides practical guidance to help you navigate the situation.
Try to Put the Tooth Back in Its Socket
One of the best things you can do with a knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is try to place it back in its socket. Follow these steps:
- Touching the tooth only by its top part (its crown), rinse off any debris.
- Carefully place it back in its socket.
- Hold it in place by carefully biting down. You can also use your clean fingers to keep it there if necessary.
Placing the tooth back in its socket keeps it moist and increases the chances that it will still be viable (alive, able to be preserved) when you reach your dentist’s office.
Important note: If one of your child’s baby teeth gets knocked out, you should not place it back in its socket. Instead, simply clean any wounds in the mouth and get your child to their dentist as soon as you can.
What if the Tooth Will Not Go in Its Socket?
In some cases, it may be difficult to place an avulsed tooth back in its socket, perhaps due to injuries around the socket or other factors. Do not try to force the tooth back into place. Instead, try tucking the tooth between your cheeks and gums. This will keep it moist and provide a degree of protection for it until you see the dentist.
Another option is to place the tooth in a glass of milk or use a tooth preservation kit from a local pharmacy. The goal is to submerge the tooth so its delicate root cells suffer as little damage as possible.
Important note: Do not use plain water or any acidic liquid to submerge the tooth. These liquids can harm the tooth and reduce the likelihood of successful replantation.
What Your Dentist Will Do
If you get to your dentist’s office within an hour or so of losing the tooth, there is a chance they can splint it back into place. As your mouth heals, your body should reintegrate the tooth.
Of course, there is also a possibility that the tooth cannot be saved. If that is true in your case, your dentist will examine your mouth, care for your oral injuries, and talk to you about tooth replacement options.
Getting one of your teeth knocked out can be scary! Take fast action to give your smile the best chances of an ideal outcome.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page is a highly skilled dentist with extensive training in multiple areas of her profession. Under her guidance, our team works to provide fast and effective care for emergency cases. In fact, we are often able to accommodate urgent situations on a same-day basis. To learn more about us or to request an appointment in our Schenectady office, contact Capital Smiles at 518-800-3102.