No one expects to lose a tooth in an accident, but it’s unfortunately more likely to happen than you might like to think; it’s estimated that about 5 million teeth are knocked out every year. As such, you should make sure that you have a plan for dealing with this type of dental emergency. After all, acting quickly is essential if you want to save the tooth! Below are the 5 steps you should follow if your tooth is ever knocked out of your mouth.
1. Call Your Dentist Immediately
If you want the best possible chance of keeping your tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible – ideally within an hour. Thus, step one should always be to call your dental practice to schedule an emergency appointment. The team member who receives your call may be able to give you first-aid tips based on your situation, so listen carefully to anything they tell you.
2. Locate the Tooth and Pick It Up by the Crown
Obviously, your tooth can only be saved if you still have it, so be sure to locate it right away. Once you find it, remember to pick it up by the crown, which is the end used to chew your food. Do not touch the root; doing so could damage the tooth’s nerves.
3. Rinse Off Any Debris
You don’t want any dirt or other debris lingering on your tooth, so take the time to rinse it off at the nearest sink. Remember to be very gentle and not to use soap or cleaning chemicals. Also, you shouldn’t dry or scrub the tooth, as doing so could easily damage the roots.
4. Try to Put the Tooth Back in Its Socket
The best place to put a knocked-out tooth is back in its socket. To do so, you can simply position the tooth above the socket before slowly closing your mouth. Once the tooth is in place, you can keep it there by gently biting down or holding it with your finger.
5. If the Tooth Won’t Go in Its Socket, Take Other Steps to Preserve It
It’s not always possible to put a knocked-out tooth back in its socket, but luckily, there are other ways to preserve it until you can see your dentist. One option is to keep the tooth in the space between your gums and the inside of your cheek. Alternatively, you can put the tooth in a container filled with milk or a saline solution.
By following the right steps, you can ensure that your tooth remains viable until you’re able to get to your dentist’s office, thus maximizing your chances of having it successfully reimplanted!
About the Author
Dr. Darren Koch went to the University at Buffalo for his dental education, and he holds memberships with various dental organizations, including the North Carolina Dental Society. He’s able to offer same-day dental appointments for patients with knocked-out teeth and other urgent dental issues. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Koch at his practice in Cary, visit his website or call (919) 859-6633.
