Knocking out a tooth can be a frightening experience, whether it happens during sports, a fall, or another accident. The good news is that in some situations, a permanent tooth can be successfully saved if quick action is taken. Many people are surprised to learn that reinserting a knocked-out tooth yourself may actually help preserve it until you reach a dentist.
However, it is important to handle the tooth properly and seek emergency dental care immediately.
Time is Extremely Important
When a permanent tooth is knocked out, the tissues and cells attached to the root begin to dry out quickly. The best chance of saving the tooth usually occurs if it is reinserted within 30 minutes to one hour after the injury.
The longer the tooth remains out of the mouth, the lower the likelihood of successful reattachment.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, carefully pick it up by the crown, which is the chewing surface of the tooth. Avoid touching the root whenever possible because delicate cells on the root are important for healing.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or clean water for a few seconds. Do not scrub the tooth, remove tissue fragments, or use soap or chemicals to clean it.
Can You Reinsert It Yourself?
In some cases, yes. If it is a permanent adult tooth, you may carefully attempt to place it back into the socket. Make sure the tooth is facing the correct direction and gently push it into place using light pressure.
Once the tooth is reinserted, bite down softly on clean gauze or a cloth to help hold it in position while traveling to the dentist.
If reinserting the tooth is not possible, keep it moist by placing it in milk, saline solution, or inside the mouth between the cheek and gums. Avoid storing it in plain water for long periods, as this may damage the root cells.
Do Not Reinsert Baby Teeth
Knocked-out baby teeth should generally not be reinserted. Attempting to place a baby tooth back into the socket could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Instead, contact a dentist immediately for guidance if a child loses a tooth due to trauma.
Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
Even if you successfully reinsert the tooth yourself, you still need emergency dental treatment as soon as possible. A dentist will examine the tooth, stabilize it if needed, and determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
Prompt care greatly improves the chances of saving the tooth long-term.
Reinserting a knocked-out permanent tooth yourself may help save it if done quickly and carefully. Proper handling, keeping the tooth moist, and seeking immediate dental care are all critical steps after the injury. Acting fast can make a major difference in preserving your natural tooth and preventing more extensive dental treatment later on.
About the Practice
If you’ve suffered a dental emergency, there are several reasons to let our team at Anderson Dental care for you. For instance, we offer convenient options like same-day dental crowns for immediate protection and in-house root canal treatment as well. Also, advanced diagnostic imaging allows us to treat you more promptly and precisely. Don’t delay if you’re in pain! Book online or call our Rapid City office at (605) 721-1219.