Dental Emergencies: Tooth Knocked Out

Dental Emergencies: Tooth Knocked Out

Dental Emergencies: Tooth Knocked Out

Dental emergencies come in many different forms, some more urgent than others, and are never expected. One of the most common dental emergencies we see at our practice is a tooth being knocked out. When this happens, your next steps and the timeliness of each one is crucial to saving your tooth and the overall health of your mouth. Below we’ve detailed the steps you can take, should this emergency occur. 

How does a tooth get knocked out?

A tooth can get knocked out by any force, whether you’re playing sports or if you suffer a fall. Equally, it’s not uncommon for a tooth to just fall out due to improper dental hygiene. No matter how it happens, dentists like us consider a tooth falling something that requires urgent attention from your dentist. 

When your tooth is knocked out, you generally only have about 30-60 minutes to save the natural tooth, hence the urgency. Here are some tips you can follow to help preserve your tooth:

  1. Stay calm 
  2. Immediately contact your dentist
  3. Hold your tooth by the crown, and rinse in water. Do not rub or agitate the tooth or use any soap/chemicals to clean
  4. Place the tooth in the socket it came from, if possible. If this is not possible, place it in a container of your saliva or some milk 
  5. Rinse your mouth with cold water
  6. Apply a cold compress to prevent swelling

What if the tooth cannot be saved?

Unfortunately, even if all of the steps above are followed, it is not a guarantee that your tooth can be saved. However, there is no need to panic! Thanks to modern dentistry, you have options. One of the best options is a dental implant. An implant looks and acts the same way as your other teeth and will help preserve the look of your smile. 

Dental emergencies are always scary, that’s why it is important to have a team of dentists by your side to help you through it! Contact our office today to book your first appointment with us.