Knocked out a Tooth: Here are the Immediate Steps You Need to Take
Oct 07, 2024
It happens when you least expect it. You trip and fall and hit your mouth against something. Or you’re playing softball, and a line drive smashes into your face. The impact knocks a tooth right out of your gums.
A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, is a severe dental emergency that requires fast action. Taking the proper steps and seeking immediate care can mean the difference between losing or saving the tooth.
Dr. Laura Llanos of Llanos Dental Group in Miami Lakes, Florida, wants you to know what steps to take if one of your permanent teeth is knocked out.
More than 5 million teeth are knocked out in children and adults in the United States each year. You could lose the tooth for good if you don't act fast. Fortunately, though, a quick response could save it. If one of your teeth gets knocked out, take the following steps:
Your knocked-out tooth may be in your mouth, lap, or the ground. When you find it, pick it up, but try your best not to touch the tooth by the roots. Try to stay calm.
As soon as possible, hold the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface, which is the part of the tooth farthest away from the gum) and rinse it gently by briefly dipping it in a bowl of warm water.
Remember these crucial recommendations: Do not hold the tooth under running water, which can damage the roots. Do not use soap or scrape away debris with a cloth or your finger. Do not dry the tooth with a cloth or wrap it in anything.
Your gums will probably bleed, so rinse your mouth with warm water.
Gently hold the clean tooth by the crown and carefully try to insert it into your empty tooth socket. Bite softly on a gauze pad to keep the tooth in place. If you don’t have gauze, you can hold it in place with your fingers.
Don’t force the tooth back into the empty tooth socket if you can’t put it back. Hold it in your mouth next to your cheek to moisten it with saliva. Try your best not to swallow it. If you can’t keep it in your mouth, place it in a glass of milk (but not water).
If you have it, you may also insert it in an over-the-counter product specially designed to preserve a knocked-out tooth. Moisture helps prevent the tooth’s roots from drying out.
Emergency dentists are specially trained to treat knocked-out teeth and other oral injuries that require immediate care. The sooner an emergency dentist can see you, the better.
Dr. Llanos is committed to helping you and your family with dental emergencies, such as knocked-out teeth. As soon as possible after the tooth is knocked out, call us or have a family member or friend call to let our staff know you’re on your way.
Receiving care within 30 minutes of your injury and following the steps outlined here could save your tooth. If you can’t get to Dr. Llanos or another emergency dentist immediately, go to the hospital emergency room instead.
Llanos Dental Group serves patients from all over Mecklenburg County and surrounding communities. For dental emergencies, call us immediately. For routine general or cosmetic dentistry care, call our office or use our convenient online scheduling tool to make an appointment.