Any sort of dental emergency can leave you worried about your oral health. One scenario that’s especially nerve-racking is having one of your teeth knocked out. You may be stressed about your smile but take a deep breath. Try your best to stay calm, as acting swiftly can improve your odds of saving it. Here’s how to handle a knocked-out tooth and how your dentist is here to help.
1.) Find Your Tooth
You should first find your tooth immediately. When you go to pick it up, grab it by the crown, which is the chewing surface. Avoid touching the root as much as you can, as there may be cells on it that can help with the reattachment process.
2.) Rinse Under Still Water
Put water inside a bowl or other container and gently rinse the tooth. This will help get rid of any debris, but be sure you don’t scrub or use anything else. Keep the structure moist, so avoid wrapping it in cloth or tissue.
3.) Attempt to Reinsert Your Tooth
You may be able to reinsert the tooth yourself, but be sure to do it gently. If you can, then make sure it’s positioned right and close your mouth slowly while biting onto a clean paper towel or washcloth.
4.) What To Do If You Can’t Put It Back Yourself
For some, the step above may be uncomfortable to do. Instead, place the tooth inside a glass of milk or keep it between your cheek and gums. Just be sure to avoid accidentally swallowing it!
5.) Head to Your Emergency Dentist
While you are doing the steps above, you should then head to your emergency dentist right away. The sooner you go, the higher chance of success you have for reattachment. Usually, within 30 minutes to an hour, you’ll have the best shot. If you wait too long, then you lower your odds.
Can My Dentist Save My Tooth?
When you visit your dentist, they will perform an oral assessment and give you relief from your discomfort. Depending on what they find and how long it’s been, your tooth may be able to be saved. Using a split, it can hold the structure in place while the surrounding tissues grow around it. However, there are some cases where it cannot be salvaged. If so, your provider will likely to talk to you about replacement options to get you to a full smile once again.
If you have ended up with a knocked-out tooth, then follow the steps above. That way, you can feel confident handling the situation to give your grin the best shot to recover.
About the Practice
Dr. Sally Alkamary earned her dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. She is dedicated to helping the local communities with their dental emergencies, like when they knock out a tooth. By offering same-day, weekend, and after-hours urgent visits, you can get the relief you deserve and a solution to your unique case. If you need urgent oral care, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling either Dr. Alkamary’s Springfield or Neptune office.