Knocked-Out Tooth? Put It Back in Its Socket!

Nothing is more stressful than having a tooth knocked out. If the unexpected happens, don’t panic. Not all knocked-out teeth are lost for good, but you must act quickly. You must reinsert your tooth and get to an emergency dentist quickly. Here’s how to get your tooth back into its socket.

How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

The first thing you need to do is calm down and find your tooth. Pick it up carefully, only touching the crown. Rinse it gently with water, doing your best to avoid touching or damaging the roots. Don’t use any soap or scrub it. Do not dry your tooth because it must be kept moist. Carefully reinsert your tooth back into its socket and bite on a piece of gauze to hold it in place.

If you can’t get your tooth back in its socket, you need to preserve it until you get to your dentist. It’s best to put it in a container of dental saline and put a lid on it to prevent it from spilling. If you don’t have any saline on hand, place it in a cup of milk. Only put it in tap water as a last resort.

Next, contact your dentist and get to their office quickly. A tooth’s chance of survival plummets if it takes longer than 30-45 minutes to see a dentist.

Treating Knocked-Out Teeth

Your dentist will examine your mouth and review X-rays to have a complete picture of the situation. If your tooth is relatively undamaged and its chance of survival is good, they can create a dental splint. Temporary dental cement is applied to the adjacent teeth to hold a thin wire. This will provide your tooth with support, allowing it to heal. 

Unfortunately, not all knocked-out teeth can be saved. If your tooth can’t be salvaged, your dentist will discuss your replacement options, which may include a dental bridge. They’ll take an impression of your mouth to create a prosthetic tooth and dental crowns. The prosthetic will fill the space of your lost tooth while dental crowns bonded to the adjacent teeth hold it in place.

As an alternative to a bridge, you may also be a candidate for a dental implant. A titanium post is surgically placed into your jaw to serve as a tooth root. A custom-made restoration is attached to it using an abutment. It’s the only method to replace both the tooth root and the crown.

Your emergency dentist will help you through the stressful situation and provide the solutions you need to save your smile.

About Dr. Brenda J. Young

Dr. Young has over 30 years of experience in dentistry. She regularly continued her education to provide the most advanced services for all situations, like dental emergencies. She is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (703) 560-6301.