What to do if my tooth gets knocked out
Losing a tooth can be a frightening experience, but knowing what to do in such a situation can make all the difference between saving your tooth, or having to get an implant. Whether it's due to a sports injury, accident, or any other mishap, the most important thing to remember is that you should try to re-implant the tooth back into its socket within 30 minutes of it being knocked out.
But, before you go pressing your tooth back in place, here’s a step-by-step guide.
Act Quickly: Time is of the essence when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. The sooner you act, the higher the chances of saving your tooth.
Handle With Care: When handling the tooth, be extremely gentle. Avoid touching the root of the tooth and instead hold it by the crown (the part of the tooth that's usually visible in your mouth). Touching the root can damage the delicate tissues necessary for successful re-implantation.
Rinse the Tooth: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly under lukewarm water. Do not use any soap, cleaners, or scrub the tooth. It's crucial to keep the tooth's root surface as intact as possible.
Re-implant the Tooth: Try to place the tooth back into its socket immediately, if possible. Gently push it into place, making sure it's facing the right way. Once it's back in the socket, bite down gently on a clean piece of cloth to hold it in place.
Keep it Moist: If you can't re-implant the tooth right away, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or your own saliva. Avoid storing it in water, as this can damage the delicate cells on the root surface.
Seek Emergency Dental Care: After re-implanting the tooth or preserving it in milk or saliva, contact your dentist or an emergency dental clinic immediately. They will provide further instructions and arrange for you to come in as soon as possible. Time is critical in saving a knocked-out tooth, so don't delay seeking professional help.
Manage Pain and Bleeding: While waiting to see the dentist, you can manage pain and bleeding by gently biting on a clean cloth or applying a cold compress to the affected area.
Remember, the number one priority when dealing with a knocked-out tooth is to try to re-implant it back into the socket as soon as possible. However, if this isn't feasible, preserving the tooth properly and seeking immediate dental care is crucial for the best chance of saving your tooth and maintaining your oral health.