It’s pretty alarming to lose a tooth suddenly. However, it happens more often than people think. A sports injury, a trip and fall, or even biting into something hard can easily knock out your tooth. Luckily, if you act quickly, you might be able to save your tooth. Here is what to do if you just knocked out a tooth:
The first step is to find your tooth and handle it carefully. Try to pick it up by the crown, which is the visible part of the tooth. Avoid touching the root if at all possible. The root contains delicate cells that are important if the dentist attempts to replace the tooth in the socket. If your tooth is dirty, gently rinse just the dirt off with clean water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue fragments that may still be attached.
If possible, carefully place the tooth back into its original socket. Gently bite down on a clean medical gauze to help hold the tooth in place while you seek emergency dental care. Placing your tooth back in the socket right away helps preserve the living cells on the root, greatly increasing the chances that a dentist can successfully save the tooth.
If reinserting the tooth is not possible, your next best option is to keep it moist. Place your tooth in a container of milk, saliva, or a tooth-preservation solution, if available. Avoid storing the tooth in plain water for a long period, as this can damage the cells needed for successful reattachment.
In some cases, a dentist cannot replace a knocked-out tooth. Depending on the situation, your emergency dentist may recommend treatments such as dental implants, bridges, or crowns. These options can help restore the natural look of your smile while protecting the health of your remaining teeth.
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency. Your best chance of saving your tooth occurs when treatment is performed as quickly as possible, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes. Do not wait.
Call Dr. Gordon and the emergency dental team at Logan Peak Dental now. Our emergency dental team provides care to patients in Logan, Utah and the surrounding communities. Our office can evaluate your dental injury, help stabilize your tooth, and provide restorative options such as same-day crowns when appropriate.
