Millions of people get a knocked-out tooth every year. Whether you were playing contact sports or simply walked into a glass door, accidents can happen when you least expect them. If you’ve lost a pearly white, then you should see your dentist immediately. But is it possible for you to place the tooth back in its socket? Keep reading to learn three important steps when dealing with this dental emergency.
Step #1: Pick Up the Tooth Gently
When retrieving your knocked-out tooth, be sure to grab it from the crown or top side. Never handle it by the roots, as you’ll want to avoid damaging it and reducing your chances of successfully reattaching it. Whether it has dirt on it or not, you should rinse your tooth carefully. You don’t have to use soap, scrub it, or dry it—not even with a tissue. Your tooth is meant to be moist, so you’ll have to try preserving it.
Step #2: Try to Put the Tooth Back In
The best way to keep your tooth wet and safe is to put it back in its socket. If your tooth is fully intact, then you may attempt to gently reposition it. To hold it in place, either softly bite down or leave your finger on it. However, should you be unable to do this, there are other ways to preserve your tooth! You could buy an OTC emergency kit from your local pharmacy, soak the tooth in a cup or plastic bag of milk, or hold it in your mouth beside your cheeks. You should avoid leaving it in water, as this could actually damage its surface.
Step #3: Visit Your Dentist Right Away
You’ll want to seek dental emergency care within thirty minutes of getting a tooth knocked-out. Once you arrive, your dentist will assess your other teeth for any potential damages before working on reattaching the lost one. With your help in preserving your pearly white beforehand, they’ll have a higher likelihood of restoring your smile!
Getting a knocked-out tooth can be unsettling, but with these few steps you can feel confident in knowing how to handle the emergency if it does happen. And if you want to know how to take extra precautions, you can always consult your dentist for their expert advice.
About the Practice
At Dental Group of Jefferson, we are proud to deliver high-quality and personalized dental care. Our two excellent dentists—Dr. Hammond and Dr. Pichler—use the latest technologies and techniques to help you achieve your best smile. We offer multiple advanced treatments including emergency dentistry to help with your needs, such as a knocked-out tooth! If you have a dental emergency or want to know more about handling a lost tooth, don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or at 440-576-7040.