Accidentally knocking your tooth out can be a very scary dental emergency, but what you may not know is that if you act quickly, it may still be possible to save it. Here’s what you should do if you unexpectedly lose a tooth, and why you shouldn’t waste a moment getting help!
“Help, I knocked out my tooth! Now what?”
If you accidentally knock your tooth either completely out or loose, the first step you should take is to try to stay calm. Then, rinse your mouth gently with water to clear away any blood or debris. If the tooth is still whole, it may still be possible to save it.
If it’s in good condition, you’ll need to keep the tooth safe. There are several ways to do this, including:
- Place it back in the socket it came from and hold it there.
- Keep it in your mouth between your cheek and gums.
- Store it in a container of milk, saliva, or the fluid in a tooth preservation kit (available at some pharmacies).
Never store a tooth in water, as this will kill it and make it impossible to reimplant.
Next, call your emergency dentist for an immediate appointment. A tooth can survive for about one hour before it begins to deteriorate, so the faster you reimplant it, the better its odds of survival.
Next Steps…
If your dentist is successfully able to reimplant your tooth, you’ll need to be extremely careful with it in the coming weeks. It will need to be splinted in place until it can survive without support. Your dentist will provide you with a list of care guidelines. Be sure to follow them as closely as possible. Also, be aware that even if it can be reimplanted, there is still a chance it will fail. If this occurs, your dentist will be happy to discuss tooth replacement options with you, including dental implants, a bridge, or a denture.
Remember, while you can’t prevent every accident, a knocked-out tooth doesn’t have to mean it’s lost forever. If you act quickly, it may still be possible to save it, so don’t waste a moment. Contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible for the best chance of saving your smile!
About Dr. Habibi
Dr. Elaheh Habibi first earned her dental degree at Hamedan University School of Dentistry in Iran, and her Certificate in Restorative Dentistry from the Tehran University School of Dentistry. Here in the United States, she graduated again, this time from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. She is a noted speaker and dental researcher, having served on the faculty at the Kermanshah University School of Dentistry. She has also had her work published multiple times in The Journal of Research in Dental Sciences. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact Seaside Dental of Jacksonville Beach as soon as possible by calling 904-853-6888.