Don’t panic. If you’re in the midst of a full-blown, knocked-out tooth dental emergency, you’re probably thinking that that’s easier said than done. Know that losing a tooth is fairly common. Every year, about five million children and adults get a tooth knocked-out. It’s alarming, but it’s not the end of the world. Accidents happen and fortunately, this one has solutions.
It’s still possible to save the natural tooth. You’ll have to act quickly, but you can do it. The process might not be as difficult as you’re thinking.
The Knocked-Out Tooth Timeline
You’ll have to find your tooth, preserve it, and get it to your dentist’s office within 30 – 60 minutes of it falling out. This gives your dentist the best chance of being able to reinsert and restore it successfully. If you haven’t already, call your emergency dentist and tell them about the situation. It’s also a good idea to staunch any bleeding – just don’t use questionable methods like clove oil. A tissue or paper towel will do just fine.
Secure the Tooth
If you can find the tooth, do not pick it up by the root. Dental roots are delicate. Touching them could result in damage. Instead, carefully pick it up by the crown – the part you use for chewing. Once you’ve got it, you can gently rinse off any debris with room temperature tap water or milk.
It’s important not to rinse the tooth with chemical solutions or soaps, and you shouldn’t scrape or rub it to get the debris off. This risks further harm.
Keep the Tooth Moist but Don’t Wrap it Up
Possibly the biggest hazard to your knocked out tooth is the potential for its roots to dry out. Dried roots are drastically less likely to reattach to your jawbone. That doesn’t mean you should soak it in tap water, though. It’s fine to give it a brief rinse, but prolonged exposure to tap water could harm the roots.
Instead, soak it in milk, saliva, or a special solution for dental emergencies. The best option is to put your tooth back into socket yourself, but this can be an anxiety-inducing prospect for some. If you’re willing to give it a try, be gentle as you ease it back into the socket. It might stick up a bit, but that’s okay. Slowly bite down and hold the tooth in place with your finger until you get to your emergency dentist.
Arriving at Your Emergency Dentist
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the part where you can take it easy and let the professionals do what they’re trained for. Your emergency dentist will see you as soon as possible. They’ll examine your mouth and knocked-out tooth, make an assessment, and tell you about their findings. From there you’ll discuss treatment options, and if possible, they’ll begin right away.
Dental emergencies are urgent, but often treatable. A knocked-out tooth is no different. Even if you can’t find your natural tooth, your dentist can replace it. In either case, when you make the call, they’ll talk you through the first aid process and make sure you’re informed about your options. They’re available to support you through your dental emergency!
About the Author
Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla practices at Saginaw Dental in Saginaw. He prioritizes patient care and will take your dental emergency seriously. With his expertise on the case, you can relax knowing that he’ll do what he can to restore your knocked-out tooth. Call 817-989-2832 to ask for an emergency appointment or explore Dr. Renkuntla’s website for more information.