Your Emergency Dentist To-Do List for A Knocked Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies. Whether it’s a fall, a sports injury, or a sudden impact, losing a tooth can be a scary experience. But don’t panic; there are steps you can take to increase the chances of saving your tooth. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you should do if you or someone you know has knocked out a tooth.

Steps To Take If You’ve Just Had A Tooth Knocked Out

Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Fast

The first step when you knock out a tooth is to stay calm. If you can, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, not the root. Touching the root can damage any tissue still attached, so it’s important to avoid it. Rinse the tooth with milk or saliva, but not water, as this can cause damage to the roots.

Step 2: Protect the Tooth

If possible, place the tooth back into the empty socket. Hold the tooth gently in place with your fingers or bite down softly on a clean towel. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place it in a glass of milk until you get to an emergency dentist. Avoid water, as mentioned before, since it can harm the tooth’s cells and reduce the chances of successful re-implantation.

Step 3: Get to a Dentist ASAP

Time is a crucial factor in saving the tooth. Teeth that have been knocked out need to be re-implanted within 30 minutes to increase the chances of success. Call an emergency dentist right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate dental care.

Step 4: Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

Your emergency dentist will examine the tooth and decide the best course of action. Depending on the condition of the tooth and how much time has passed since the incident, the dental treatment may entail re-implantation, a root canal, or tooth replacement. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully, including instructions for post-operative care and pain management.

Step 5: Take Steps to Prevent Future Accidents

After a tooth has been knocked out and re-implanted, the tooth is more fragile and prone to damage than before. This makes it essential to take preventative measures to protect the tooth. Avoid hard and sticky foods, such as candy or ice, and wear a mouthguard during physical activities, like sports. By taking these steps, you are less likely to have a repeat dental emergency in the future.

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires prompt attention. In case of an emergency, staying calm, protecting the tooth, and immediately seeking dental care can increase the chances of successful re-implantation. By following your dentist’s instructions and taking steps to prevent future accidents, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure, and dental emergencies can often be avoided with proper care and precautions.