Each year, it’s estimated that over 5 million US children and adults experience a knocked-out tooth—and while these types of dental injuries are usually the result of sports injuries, the truth is, they can happen when you least expect them to. That said, it’s not an issue you should ignore; however, is it one that you can handle yourself by putting the tooth back in its socket? Here’s why it’s best to move quickly when you discover that you’ve lost a tooth and how your emergency dentist can save the day!
How Should I Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth?
In many cases, you can try to place the tooth back into its socket, but you need to be careful. If you’re able to locate the tooth, gently pick it up by its crown (chewing surface), and do not touch the delicate, vulnerable root. If the tooth is dirty, you can very carefully rinse it with water; however, don’t scrub it or use any soaps, and let the tooth air dry. From there, you can try to gently reinsert it into the socket while holding it by the crown, but do not apply pressure or try to force it in. Hold it in place by softly biting down on gauze or a clean washcloth.
If you cannot safely reinsert your tooth, you should place it in a small plastic container or a glass of milk or your own saliva to keep it moist. Don’t let the tooth dry out, and prioritize contacting your emergency dentist as soon as possible. You shouldn’t panic, but you need to keep in mind that knocked-out teeth have the best chance of being saved if you’re able to get to a dentist’s office within one hour.
Even if you manage to reinsert your tooth, you still need to see a dentist as soon as possible. They’ll make sure no other nearby teeth or tissues are damaged, and from there, they’ll secure your tooth and do what’s needed to promote healing. If the tooth cannot be saved, they will review your restoration options with you; you’d be at a huge disadvantage without even just that one tooth!
Tips for Preventing Knocked-Out Teeth
Of course, it’s also wise to avoid this issue if you can. While this isn’t always possible, some proactive tips and habits go a long way:
- Always wear a protective mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
- Avoid using your teeth to bite into hard objects, hold items, or open packaging.
- Keep up with your routine dental visits to maintain strong, healthy teeth year-round.
Accidents happen, and whether it’s a sports injury, an unexpected fall, or even simply hitting your mouth on something, having a knocked-out tooth can be alarming. But knowing how to handle the situation quickly and seeing your dentist for assistance will make all the difference and allow you to retain a happy and complete smile!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Matt Ricke, our team here at Lake Boone Dentistry has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Raleigh and the surrounding communities for several years. We offer a wide variety of services, including emergency dentistry with flexible scheduling. If you have any questions about the blog or need to get in touch with us to schedule an emergency appointment, don’t wait to contact us for more information or assistance. Telephone: (919) 781-8610.