Dental emergencies are a worrying situation that can leave you a bit panicked. This is especially true if you have found yourself in a scenario that ended with you knocking out a tooth! While you may be stressed, it’s important to stay calm and act fast. By following the right steps, you can improve your odds of saving it and getting relief. So, take a deep breath, and here’s how to handle a knocked-out tooth.
1.) Pick Up Your Tooth by the Crown
Find where your tooth wound up and pick it up by the crown, or the part you chew with. Try your best not to touch the root at all, as there are cells on it that can be helpful with reattachment. You should also see if there is any noticeable damage.
2.) Rinse Off Any Debris
There might be debris on your tooth, so you should rinse it gently with milk, sterile saline solution, or still water. If you choose the latter, then be sure to do it briefly, as too much of it can harm the cells on the root surface. Do not scrub it, use soap, or any other chemical. Keep the structure moist and do not dry it with a cloth or tissue afterward.
3.) Try Putting the Tooth Back into Its Socket
You can reinsert the tooth yourself. Carefully position it into its place and slowly bite down on a washcloth or a clean paper towel to hold it in. Keep it there until you can visit your dentist.
4.) What You Should Do If You Can’t Do the Step Above
If you can’t do the step before this, then place it in a container of milk, or your own saliva. You can also keep it in your mouth between your cheek and gums. Just be sure you don’t swallow it.
5.) Go to Your Emergency Dentist Right Away
As you are doing everything above, start heading to your emergency dentist. You have a higher chance of a successful reattachment the earlier you go. Usually, you have an hour for the best shot, but waiting too long can lower your odds.
Is My Dentist Able to Save My Tooth?
When it’s time for your visit with your dentist, they will first give you relief from discomfort you feel and then do an oral assessment. Depending on how long it’s been and whether the tooth is still viable, they may use a splint to hold it in the socket while the surrounding tissues grow back around it. There are some cases where this can’t be done, so you can explore replacement options to get a full smile.
Follow the tips above if you find yourself with a knocked-out tooth; that way, you can handle the situation confidently.
About the Practice
At Aesthetic & Family Dentistry of North Bethesda, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Yelena Obholz and Dr. Ange Tchouaga. We are here to help the local community with their dental emergencies, such as a knocked-out tooth. By offering same-day urgent visits, we can get you in as soon as possible and provide you with relief from your situation. If you are experiencing the situation above, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (301) 658-7647.