I Have A Knocked-Out Tooth – What Do I Do?

Anyone who has been in this situation knows how scary it can be. When you’re in a state of shock and pain, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do in order to save your tooth. By acting quickly and calmly, you can take steps to increase the likelihood of keeping your tooth alive long enough so a skilled emergency dentist can help to restore your smile. Continue reading to learn exactly what you should do if you have a knocked-out tooth.

5 Steps to Take If Your Tooth is Knocked Out

To increase the likelihood of saving your tooth after it is knocked out, remain calm and take the following steps:

1. Locate your tooth: Find your tooth and be careful to pick it up by the crown so you don’t cause any additional damage to the soft tissue. Never touch the root of your tooth.
2. Clean it: If you see dirt on your tooth, gently rinse it off with water. You shouldn’t use any soap or chemicals. Don’t scrub or dry off the tooth. It’s important that it stays moist.
3. Return the tooth to its place: If you are able to, try to place the tooth back into the socket where it was before. Gently push it in with your fingers and hold it in your mouth by softly biting down on it.
4. Keep it wet: If you are unable to put the tooth back into your mouth, you must keep it moist in another way. Either hold it in your cheek or place it in a container of milk. Water is not the best option because root surface cells cannot tolerate it for extended periods of time.
5. Go to your emergency dentist: You should do this as soon as possible. Call them to let them know that you’re coming into the office. This should be done within an hour of when your tooth got knocked out. Waiting any longer significantly reduces the possibility of saving it.

What If Your Dentist Cannot Save Your Tooth?

If your dentist determines that your tooth cannot be saved for whatever reason, that does not mean that you will have to go the rest of your life with a huge gap in your smile. Instead, he may recommend that you get a dental implant. This option replaces the natural root of the tooth so a new, artificial tooth can be placed on the end. Here are some of the many benefits of an implant:

• They are long-lasting (25+ years!).
• Dental implants have a 98% success rate.
• Implants look natural and blend in with your smile.
• They prevent jawbone deterioration.
• Implants are as durable as natural teeth.
• Dental implants don’t require the alteration of other teeth.

As alarming as knocking your tooth out may be, there is no reason to panic. Just act quickly, take the steps listed above, and your smile will be restored in no time!

About the Practice

At Boyles General Dentistry in Odessa, Drs. Franklin and Stephen Boyles provide emergency dentistry to their patients who are in need of immediate dental attention. Dr. Franklin Boyles has over four decades of dental experience and continues to pursue continuing education courses every year. Dr. Stephen Boyles graduated from Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas and has completed the Preceptorship in Dental Implantology at UTHSC San Antonio. For more information or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit their website or call (432) 366-0896.