Saving a Knocked Out Tooth

Children love to play rough, and sometimes accidents happen. When someone loses a tooth, there is still a chance that it can be saved, even if it has been knocked out. The key is to act quickly, and get dental help immediately.

Adults and children can both be victims of knocked out teeth. In fact, over five million teeth are knocked out every year. With quick thinking and an emergency visit to the dentist, there is a decent chance that your tooth may be replanted back in place and survive.

Steps for Saving Your Tooth

If your tooth is knocked out, the first thing you want to do is find it and pick it up by the crown, being sure not to touch the root. Handle it carefully so the root is not injured. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off gently with water. Do not wash, scrub or use any soap on the tooth. It needs to stay moist and not dry out.

If you can, try to reposition the tooth into its socket. Holding it by the crown, gently push it back in or you can also position the tooth above the socket, and gently close down on it. If you are not able to get it back into the socket, pour some milk in a container and place the tooth inside. Do not use regular tap water to keep the tooth moist. The root surface cells do not tolerate tap water well for long.

You need to see a dentist within 30 minutes of the injury for the best chances of saving the tooth. You may be able to save it within an hour, but the sooner you can access emergency dental care, the better.

Sacramento Emergency Dentist provides same day appointments and weekend appointments. Our dentists are experts at providing emergency dental care for all types of dental emergencies. When you need a dentist fast, give us a call.