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If you have unexpectedly knocked out a tooth, then you might be a little rattled. While it’s easy to get worked up, take a quick breath and try to calm down. It’s important you act fast to improve your odds of saving the structure. Whether you’re experiencing this situation now or want to know what to do, here’s a guide on how to handle a knocked-out tooth and how your emergency dentist can help.
1.) Find Your Tooth
Locate where the tooth went if it fell out of your mouth, and be sure you pick it up from the crown only. This is the part you chew with, but avoid touching the roots. There are cells and tissues on it that can be helpful later. Simply assess the condition and see if you can spot any noticeable damage.
2.) Clean Your Tooth Off
There may be some debris on your tooth, so take a quick second to rinse it off. Only use a still bowl of milk, your saliva, or sterile saline solution. If water is the only thing around, then you can use it, but make sure it’s brief. The cells on the root can’t handle being exposed to it for too long. Also, don’t scrub it, use soap, or anything else.
3.) Place Your Tooth Back in Its Socket
You shouldn’t let your tooth dry out, so you can try to put it back into its socket. Position it carefully and bite down gently on a clean washcloth or paper towel. If you are struggling to do this, then keep it in a container of milk or your own saliva. It can also be helpful to tuck it in between your gums and cheek, just try not to swallow it!
4.) Head to Your Emergency Dentist
As you are doing everything above, start heading to your emergency dentist. The sooner you go, the better, as you have a higher chance of reattachment within the hour.
Will My Dentist Be Able to Save My Tooth?
Once you are penciled into your provider’s schedule, they will quickly assess your condition. There’s a chance they can put a splint on your tooth to save it. This will hold it in place while the bone and gum tissue grow back around the structure. However, there’s a chance it’s unsalvageable. If so, then you can explore replacement options. That way, you get back the full smile you deserve.
About the Practice
At The Dental Place, our team understands that dental emergencies don’t wait for convenient moments. Led by Dr. Anna Lee and Dr. Jonathan Min, we are proud to offer same-day urgent visits, so you can get your situation handled right away. By giving you the treatment you need, you’ll be able to get relief and work toward protecting your oral health. If you have a knocked-out tooth, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (972) 264-5795.