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Tooth Knocked Out

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.

01.

What To Do If You Have A Knocked-Out Tooth

  1. 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 the chewing surface.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

FAQ

  • How long do I have to save the tooth?

    Ideally, you should be seen within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of reimplantation success.

  • Will the dentist always be able to save the tooth?

    Not always—it depends on how long the tooth has been out and how it was handled. Fast, proper action greatly improves the odds.

  • What if I’m bleeding heavily?

    Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Seek immediate dental or medical help.

Where are we located?

A signboard for Urgent Dental displays the clinic’s name, number 9647, and logo against a white facade with arched architectural elements. The entrance features glass doors, with flowers and greenery enhancing the welcoming exterior.

Urgent Dental

9607 NE Parkway
Matthews, NC 28105

Hours

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Only closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Easter Sunday.

Phone

704-246-3507

Email

[email protected]