What To Do With A Knocked Out Tooth

knocked out tooth of a child

Nobody likes to lose teeth. It is even more frustrating when you lose a tooth due to a physical accident or suffering from dental trauma. If you’ve lost a tooth, it is important that you follow some immediate steps so the chances for your teeth to be reinstated can stay alive.

It is easy to think that once a tooth has been knocked out, it is unusable. This is one of the common dentistry misconceptions that’s easy to believe, however, did you know that even with a knocked-out tooth, there is a chance to put it back in its socket?

This can be performed with the use of a splint. This split helps to hold the tooth in its position so the tooth reconnects to the ligament during healing. Although, for this to happen, it needs to be replaced as quickly as possible, at least one hour after the tooth is knocked out.

man-with-knocked-out-tooth

Take These Steps Immediately…

With a knocked-out tooth, follow these steps immediately after.

  • Pick The Tooth By The Crown – To ensure that the root doesn’t get infected, it is recommended that you hold the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface). Take good care when picking it up to avoid any further damage to it. It needs to stay in its current condition.
  • Gently Rinse The Tooth – When you’ve carefully picked up the tooth, rinse it with lukewarm water to rinse out any dirt. You only need to rinse it. Do not use chemicals and scrub with soap.
  • Place Tooth Back In Socket – Once you’ve rinsed the tooth, replace to put the tooth back in its socket straight away. Again, hold the tooth by the crown and gently position the tooth above the socket. When above the socket, gently use two fingers to press the tooth down, and close your mouth.
  • Store In A Container – If the tooth cannot be pressed down into the socket and stay there, take the tooth out (again by holding it by the crown) and place the tooth in a small container in milk. Keep the container at room temperature before you take it to the dentist. The tooth needs to be kept moist at all times.
  • Take It To The Dentist – Whether the tooth is in a container or placed in the socket in your mouth, visit the dentist as early as possible. If possible, visit the dentist within one hour of a knocked-out tooth. This is because the ligaments may be healthy enough to treat the tooth to put it back in its socket.

Kid with knocked out tooth

In the event of a knocked-out tooth or simply protecting yourself from a dental accident or trauma, these steps should be learned and taken into consideration at all times. These steps will help you to keep the tooth in good condition before your emergency appointment. In the event of a dental accident, if parts of the tooth still remain inside the mouth, you may want to learn more about the available treatments to treat it.

Have you recently suffered from a dental accident or trauma resulting in a knocked-out tooth? Contact us at Ashfield Family Dental immediately for emergency treatment. Click here to contact us now!

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Any reliance you place on the information provided in these blogs is, therefore, strictly at your own risk. We shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the information provided on this website.

by Dr Johnson Tang

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