If you knock-out a tooth, it’s important to address the situation as quickly as possible. After one hour, the chances of your dentist being able to reattach it go down drastically. Fortunately, this dental emergency can be handled in four simple steps. Keep reading so you know what to do if disaster strikes.
Step 1: Locate Your Tooth
First thing’s first: you’ll need to locate your tooth. If you find it, pick it up by the chewing surface (the crown), NOT the root! Tooth roots are very delicate. Touching it could cause damage and make it more difficult – or even impossible – for your dentist to reattach the tooth.
Step 2: Gently Clean Your Tooth
Assuming your tooth fell on the ground, countertop, or almost any other surface, you’ll need to give it a very gentle rinse. Turn your faucet on so that the stream of tap-water is low. DO NOT use soap, cleaners, or chemicals, and DO NOT scrub your tooth. Allow the soft stream of tap-water to rinse away any debris.
Step 3: Attach Your Tooth OR Carefully Store It
You have two options for this step: attempting to reattach your tooth yourself or storing it in a safe container so you can take it to your emergency dentist appointment later.
If you’d like to try putting your tooth back in its socket, try to “match it up” to the socket as closely as possible. Carefully push it in with your fingers, or position it just above the socket and slowly close your mouth. Either way, continue to avoid touching the root and slowly bite down once or twice to help secure it in place.
If this doesn’t work or the idea makes you (understandably!) squeamish, simply fill a small container with milk or saliva and store your tooth inside. The milk or saliva will keep it moist so it stays healthy, but DO NOT use water or a cloth, and remember to avoid touching the root.
Step 4: Visit Your Emergency Dentist
Whether you reattach your tooth yourself or store it in a container, call your emergency dentist to book a same-day appointment. It’s important for a professional to inspect your tooth and make sure that everything’s okay (or for them to restore your tooth to its rightful place in a timely manner). Plus, if necessary, your emergency dentist can help you choose a tooth replacement that suits your comfort and lifestyle preferences.
Losing a tooth can be an alarming experience, but your emergency dentist can swoop in to provide prompt care and restore your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Douglas Baldwin is a general dentist who performs all phases of dentistry. He and his team provide same-day emergency dental care for patients who have knocked-out a tooth or are experiencing other types of oral urgencies. Dr. Baldwin is also able to complete the entire dental implant process in-house for those needing a reliable tooth replacement. To contact his office, call 817-478-4300.