Dental Disappearance: How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Did you know that according to the American Association of Endodontists, more than five million children and adults have a tooth knocked out from an injury or accident? That means that even with proper preventative measures, like brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist every six months, it’s possible to lose a permanent tooth.

It’s natural to feel anxious, and you may even be in pain, which can cloud your judgment. If it’s your first dental emergency, you might not know who to call or what to do next. Continue reading to learn about three steps to take to safeguard your smile until you can reach your dentist’s office!

Action Item #1: Find the Tooth

Depending on what happened and the current condition of your missing tooth, there’s a chance your dentist can place it back in its socket to eventually reintegrate with your jawbone. Do your best to find it, keeping in mind that it might still be in your mouth, so be careful when swallowing.

Once it’s located, only touch the crown (the tooth-shaped portion.) This ensures that the viable cells on the root remain unharmed, so your dentist has a better chance of putting it back in its place.

Action Item #2: Preserve the Tooth

Gently rinse your knocked-out tooth with milk or water, but don’t vigorously scrub anything. Then, if it’s whole and doesn’t have jagged edges, you can try to put it back in its socket for safe storage until you arrive for your dental appointment. However, your hands are covered in germs that could infect the wound if you’re not careful, so be sure to wash them, first.

Otherwise, stow your pearly white in a small container or baggy with a bit of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Remember not to soak it, wipe it with a cloth, or wrap it up in paper towels because this can harm the roots so that it cannot be restored.

Action Item #3: Call Your Emergency Dentist

Acting fast is imperative to try to save your pearly white because it may only remain viable to be reimplanted for a brief 30 to 60 minutes. Call your dentist immediately to let them know what happened, and they’ll schedule a same-day appointment to examine your mouth and suggest appropriate treatments based on their findings. If your natural tooth is too damaged to be returned to its place, they will likely recommend a replacement, like a dental implant, bridge, or dentures.

Now that you know how to handle a knocked-out tooth, you’re better prepared to protect your grin in case of an emergency!

About the Practice

At Springhetti Dentistry, you and the entire family benefit from two dentists who work together to provide a wide array of services conveniently under one roof. Dr. Oberly and Dr. Springhetti welcome patients of all ages and take the time to get to know your unique dental concerns and goals. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to devise and deliver personalized treatments to address them. Plus, they offer same-day emergency appointments and multiple forms of sedation, so you won’t have to wait for relief if you’re injured. You can request an appointment on the website or call (317) 875-7645.