Having a tooth knocked out can be a frightening experience, especially when it happens unexpectedly during a sport, accident, or fall. While your first instinct may be to put the tooth back where it came from, there are some important precautions to take.
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. Getting professional care as quickly as possible gives the tooth the best chance of being saved. If this happens, knowing what to do before you reach a dentist can help protect the tooth and the surrounding tissues.
Can You Put the Tooth Back Yourself?
In some cases, an adult may be able to carefully place a knocked-out permanent tooth back into its socket. However, this should only be attempted if the person is alert, the tooth is clean enough to handle safely, and you are confident you can position it correctly.
First, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, which is the part normally visible above the gumline. Avoid touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk, saline solution, or clean water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any attached tissue.
If possible, carefully place the tooth back into its socket and hold it gently in place. You should then seek emergency dental care immediately.
If you aren’t comfortable putting the tooth back into the socket, don’t force it. Keeping the tooth moist while you get professional help is more important than attempting to replace it incorrectly.
How Should You Store a Knocked-Out Tooth?
If the tooth cannot be placed back into its socket, it needs to stay moist. Milk is a good option if it’s available. You can also use a tooth-preservation solution designed for knocked-out teeth.
Another option is to carefully hold the tooth inside the cheek, but this isn’t appropriate for young children or anyone who could accidentally swallow it. Never store the tooth in plain tap water for an extended period, as this can damage the cells on the root.
Whatever method you use, don’t let the tooth dry out. Bring it with you when you seek emergency dental care.
What If a Baby Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be placed back into the socket. Reimplanting a primary tooth can potentially damage the developing permanent tooth underneath it.
Instead, gently control any bleeding with clean gauze and contact a dental professional as soon as possible. A dentist can determine whether additional treatment is needed and check the area for other injuries.
Why Is Immediate Treatment Important?
Time matters when a permanent tooth is knocked out. The cells on the root surface are particularly vulnerable when the tooth is outside the mouth. The sooner the tooth is properly managed and evaluated, the better the chances may be of preserving it.
Even if you successfully place the tooth back into its socket, you still need emergency dental care. The tooth may require stabilization and follow-up treatment to help it heal properly.
If you or someone around you loses a permanent tooth, stay calm, keep the tooth moist, and seek professional care right away.
Acting quickly can give your smile its best chance at recovery.
About the Practice
Brookline Dental Wellness brings together a team of experienced dental professionals with diverse areas of expertise, including periodontal care, dental implants, and sleep dentistry. Dr. Anqi Hu and Dr. Dhwani Upadhyay are part of the practice’s team, which is committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care for a wide range of dental needs, including urgent dental concerns. With multiple areas of specialized training represented on the team, patients can receive coordinated care tailored to their individual oral health needs.
Call us at (617) 731-1118 or schedule your appointment online