A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate action to increase the chances of saving the tooth.
Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this situation:
Retrieve the Tooth Carefully:
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part you chew with), not the root. Avoid touching the root to prevent damaging the cells needed for reimplantation.
Rinse Gently (If Dirty):
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or use soap. If you can, hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. This will help preserve the tooth for reimplantation.
Try to Reinsert the Tooth:
If possible, place the tooth back into its socket. Gently bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or a saline solution to keep it moist.
Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately:
Time is critical. The sooner you see a dentist, the higher the chance the tooth can be reimplanted successfully. Call your emergency dentist immediately—ideally within 30 minutes to an hour after the tooth is knocked out.
A knocked-out tooth can be saved if it is treated promptly. Eastside Modern Dentistry is here to provide urgent care and help you restore your smile. Contact us immediately for emergency treatment!