One moment you’re playing sports with your friends or taking a relaxing walk outside with family, the next you’re lying on the ground and gripping your mouth because you sustained a sporting injury or a bad fall. While most dental emergencies occur as a result of tooth decay or gum disease, they can also happen in situations like these. In some cases, the tooth can be completely knocked out! If you’ve ever wondered if you can place a knocked-out tooth back into your mouth before heading to a dentist, the answer is yes. Learn the best tips to keep in mind in the event of the worst-case scenario!
Locate the Tooth and Handle It Carefully
Once you find the tooth, do your best to avoid touching the root (or bottom) portion. There may be some tissue still present on the tooth, so try to avoid removing it as much as possible. Pick the tooth up by the crown portion only. If you touch the root too much, it can make the tooth more difficult or even impossible to safely place back into the socket. If any pieces of your crown are found, collect these as well and bring them to the dentist.
Clean and Place It Back Into the Socket
Dirt or debris from the ground can collect on the tooth, so once it has been found make sure to gently rinse it off with cold water before trying to place it back into your mouth. Do this without scrubbing the tooth as this can damage it during the cleaning process. After it has been thoroughly rinsed, you can place the tooth back into your socket to try and keep it preserved. Just make sure the tooth is facing the correct orientation. Gently bite down to carefully secure it in place.
Consider Alternative Preservation Options if Needed
In certain situations, you may find it too difficult to place the tooth back into your mouth on your own. If this is the case, you may opt for placing the tooth into a sufficient preservation liquid. This may include milk, saline solution, saltwater, or saliva if none of these options are available. You can also use a tooth preservation kit approved by the ADA on the label. These solutions will keep your tooth preserved for up to one hour.
Head to Your Dentist ASAP
Even if you are able to get the tooth back inside your socket, this is not a long-term solution for your knocked-out tooth. You’ll still need to visit a dentist so they can examine your mouth and confirm whether or not your tooth requires a replacement. They can also help you get relief from any dental discomfort you are experiencing.
A knocked-out tooth is always considered a dental emergency, so don’t wait to contact an emergency dentist if this happens to you!
About Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna
Dr. Buller and Dr. Odenweller are trained to handle a wide variety of dental emergencies, including damaged and knocked-out teeth. Not only do they accept same-day emergency appointments but they offer sedation dentistry and convenient office hours to make your urgent visits more relaxing and accommodating. If your tooth has been knocked out, call our office immediately by visiting our website.