How To Save a Knocked-out Tooth

Losing a tooth can be traumatic. But losing a tooth from an injury, accident, or sports injury is even worse. Not only are you dealing with the shock of your injury, but you are also dealing with the possibility that the tooth will not grow back.

Tips to Save the Tooth

If you’re about to lose a tooth, you need to act quickly!

The tooth needs to be treated within 30 minutes of being knocked out. If not, the chances are very low that the tooth can be saved. If the tooth has been knocked out for some time, it is still possible to save it, but you will need to seek emergency dental care immediately.

In any knocked-out tooth scenario, you should follow these steps:

• Immediately rinse off the tooth with lukewarm water. Do not scrub or scrape at the tooth, as this could be harmful to the root structure.
• If possible, place the tooth back in its socket in the jawbone. Bite down gently to keep the tooth in place. If this isn’t possible, then tuck it between your cheek and gums for protection until you can get to the dentist’s office. It’s important that you do not try to replace the tooth yourself — you could further damage the tooth.
• If you can’t replace the tooth, place it in a glass of milk or water to keep it wet.
• Get to the dentist as soon as possible! The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you will lose the tooth for good.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, if needed. This can help with any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing due to the tooth getting knocked out in the first place.
• If you experience any bleeding, apply light pressure to the area with a clean cloth, gauze pad, or piece of tissue until the bleeding stops.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek. This will help with any swelling you may experience.

Calling an Emergency Dentist

A knocked-out tooth can be successfully reinserted if you act fast! Call your Sugar Land emergency dentist right away and visit your dental office within an hour of the accident. In the meantime, gently rinse the tooth with warm water to remove any dirt or debris from the root surface. Place the tooth back in its socket, if possible, and bite down for stability. If you cannot put the tooth back in its socket, keep it in a cup of milk until you can visit the dentist’s office. In some cases, your dentist may place your tooth in a stabilization kit with medication in order to keep your tooth viable until you reach their office. Once you’re there, your dentist will attempt to save the tooth with a lifelike dental crown or other restoration. If you act quickly, you may be able to avoid more complex and costly treatments down the road.

Contact Sugar Land Dental in Sugar Land, TX, for more specific instructions on what to do and what not to do to save your knocked-out tooth. To book an appointment, call (281) 980-5100 or visit us at 101 Southwestern Blvd Suite 204, Sugar Land, TX 77478.