I Knocked Out My Tooth – What to Do Now?

If you get a tooth knocked out, do not panic. It is one of the most common dental emergencies for permanent teeth. Your dentist can restore your smile in no time with the right actions on your part. Here is what you should do in this situation.

Act Quickly

A knocked-out tooth can begin to die within a few minutes. According to dental professionals, there is about a 30-minute window to save your avulsed tooth. So, get to your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible. 

The blood vessels, nerves, roots, and supporting tissue sustain damage when you lose a tooth. It is impossible to repair the blood vessels and nerves. However, it may be possible to reattach the tooth's root to the bone if your dentist puts it back quickly and correctly. 

Find the Tooth and Clean It Without Touching the Root

Immediately when you lose a tooth, find and pick it up by the crown. Remember that touching the root can cause further damage. If it is dirty, hold it by the crown and gently place it in a glass of milk. You should rinse it in clean water if you do not have access to milk. 

Never use chemicals or soap to clean the tooth. To save the tooth and place it back in your mouth, keep it moist and avoid scrubbing, drying, or wrapping it in cloth, towel, or tissue. 

Reposition the Tooth

Try to put it back in the socket as soon as possible without touching the root. Gently line it up above the socket and close your mouth or use your finger to push it back into place. Ensure it is facing the right direction before reinserting the tooth. If you lost several teeth, ensure you reposition them in their correct positions. 

Bite down gently or use your finger to hold it in place until you get to your dentist's office or emergency room. You might find biting down on a wet gauze or tea bag more comfortable. Remember that it must stay damp to remain alive.

What If You Cannot Reposition It in the Socket?

You have a few options in this case. You can keep the tooth in your mouth to allow it to stay in your saliva or place it in a glass of milk. Avoid storing it in water for an extended period because its surface cells will begin to die. Another option is to purchase a tooth preservation kit immediately. These kits can prevent teeth from dying for up to 24 hours. 

Rush to Your Dentist's Office

Your dentist will immediately clean your socket to remove debris and assess your injury. They will determine whether you have other dental or facial injuries. Finally, the dentist will gently fit the tooth back into the socket and splint it to the surrounding teeth with composite material or soft wire. You may require a root canal to repair a knocked-out or dislodged permanent tooth. 

Conclusion

Proper emergency action can save a knocked-out tooth so that a dentist can replant it successfully. However, none of these measures will help a tooth lost due to gum disease. So, you should visit your dentist for regular checkups and ensure you seek immediate treatment if you show signs of periodontal disease.

For more on implant dentistry, visit Obeng Family Dental at our office in Port Orange, Florida. Call (386) 761-9440 to request an appointment today.