Getting a tooth knocked out is one of the scarier things that can happen to you. There’s lots of pain, blood, and fear. While you can go your whole life without suffering a knocked-out tooth, millions of people get a tooth knocked out each year. It’s not an uncommon emergency. If you act quickly, we can save the tooth and replant it. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Pick Up the Tooth By the Crown
Try and find the tooth quickly. Be sure to pick it up by the crown, not the root.
Step 2: Rinse It
If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with clean, running water. You don’t need to use any soap or anything. It doesn’t need to be scrubbed or dried, either.
Step 3: Put It Back in the Empty Socket, If You Can
Ideally, you want to hold the tooth in the socket. Holding the tooth by the crown, put it in the socket and carefully close your mouth. If you have gauze, you can use that to secure the tooth a little better.
Step 4: Keep the Tooth Moist
If the tooth won’t stay in the socket, that’s okay. Just be sure to keep the tooth moist. Put it in a cup of milk or hold it in your cheek. Regular tap water does not work.
Step 5: Call an Emergency Dentist Right Away
If you’re with someone when you knock out a tooth, ask them to call the dentist while you deal with the injury. If you’re alone, call as soon as you can. Ideally, you want to see an emergency dentist within 30 minutes. It’s still possible to save the tooth after an hour or more, but it can be trickier.
Emergency Dental Care with Reen Chung, DDS
Teeth can get knocked out while you’re playing sports or when you take a bad fall, but thanks to modern dentistry, all is not lost. Call an emergency dentist like Dr. Chung – not the emergency room. Our team is here to save your tooth and put your mind at ease. If you have any questions about the emergency services at our Seattle dental clinic, please contact us!
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