Picture this: You’re out enjoying some time at the park when, suddenly, a soccer ball hits you right in the mouth. Your tooth goes flying, but you manage to find it. Now what? In most cases, a knocked-out (avulsed) tooth can be saved, but you have to act fast. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to handle it. Continue reading to learn what you need to know if you ever find yourself in this stressful dental emergency situation.
Time Is of the Essence
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, you have about 30 to 60 minutes to get professional help before the chances of successful reimplantation start to drop. That’s why staying calm and having a plan is crucial.
Can You Put the Knocked-Out Tooth Back in Yourself?
In some situations, you can put your knocked-out tooth back into its socket. This can help preserve it until you reach a dentist, but you need to be careful. The tooth must be clean, whole, and undamaged. Then you can use these steps:
- Handle the crown (the part you see when you smile), not the root.
- Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub it or use soap.
- Gently place it back in the socket if possible and bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to keep it in place.
What Happens If You Can’t Put Your Tooth Back In?
If you can’t put the tooth back in with gentle pressure, it’s better to simply put it in a glass of milk or keep it in your cheek instead. The tooth needs to stay moist, but don’t use water! The tissues around the tooth absorb water extremely well and will burst, making the tooth unusable.
See Your Dentist As Soon as Possible
Even if you get your tooth back in its socket, your work isn’t done. You’ll need to see a dentist or visit an emergency dental clinic right away so they can evaluate the injury and stabilize the tooth. Most often, this involves a temporary splint to hold it in place as it heals.
If the tooth becomes non-viable, your dentist will need to discuss tooth replacement methods with you. Replacing the tooth is the best way to keep your smile healthy and avoid issues like jaw pain or damaged teeth down the line.
Knocking out a tooth can be scary, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. With fast thinking and a great game plan, it’s possible to save your natural tooth and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
About the Practice
At Family Dental Associates of Spring Hill, Dr. Emily Allen and Dr. Brandon Jewell are glad to help when dental emergencies strike. Our team knows how stressful these moments can be, which is why we focus on fast, compassionate care and simple guidelines to give your smile the best chance at a full recovery. If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, don’t delay. Call (615) 302-1414 to schedule an emergency appointment with us or visit our website to see a full menu of services.