Tooth Knocked Out
A knocked out tooth can be saved if the right steps are taken. Getting the to the dentist as soon as possible and properly handling the lost tooth are crucial if it is going to be put back in.
Can A Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?
It is possible to reattach knocked-out teeth if the right steps are taken. Following the steps below and contacting a dentist immediately are the best things you can do. Losing a permanent tooth, or even a baby tooth knocked out, can cause significant issues. A knocked-out tooth will leave a gap which can lead to bone loss, shifting of other teeth, and difficulty chewing. A dental implant or similar restorative procedure will also be more expensive than reattaching the knocked-out tooth. This is why it is important to act quickly if you’ve had a tooth knocked out.
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What To Do If You Have A Knocked-Out Tooth
- Don’t touch the roots or top of the tooth. The roots of your teeth are delicate, only pick up and handle your lost tooth by the sides and chewing surface.
- Clean the tooth gently. You can use water or milk to gently rinse the tooth. Do not try to rub, scrub, dry off, or use soaps or chemicals to clean your lost tooth.
- Put the tooth back in the socket, if possible. Once gently cleaned you should try to gently replace the tooth, handling only the sides and bottom. Once replaced you can softly bite down to keep it there. Make sure your tooth is oriented properly and not backward. Do not try to force it if it won’t fit properly.
- If you can’t put it back, keep it moist. Putting the tooth in a glass of milk to soak is a great option. Alternately you can softly hold the tooth between your gums and cheek. Though this shouldn’t be done with younger children who could swallow the tooth. Don’t use tap water to soak a knocked-out tooth because it could damage the roots. If you don’t have cow’s milk and can’t hold your tooth in its socket or in your cheek, spitting into a container and soaking the tooth in saliva is the next best option.
- Call a dentist. Getting to a dentist as quickly as possible is critical. It is possible to reattach a tooth an hour or more after it has been knocked out. However but the sooner you can see a dentist the better the chances are of reattaching it.
Call Us or Learn More About Urgent Dental
If you have more questions about knocked out or damaged teeth or would like to schedule an appointment contact us and we’ll be happy to help.