Have you ever thought about what you would do if you knocked out one of your front teeth? It’s always best to be prepared in an emergency. Today let’s discuss what you should do if you or your child knocks out a tooth in an accident.
In the dental world we call a knocked out tooth an avulsed tooth. The definition of an avulsed tooth is the complete displacement of a tooth from its socket in the bone most likely caused by trauma. The immediate treatment for an avulsed tooth is imperative to the tooth’s survival. Studies show that a tooth that is re-implanted within 15 minutes to an hour after an accident ensures best possible prognosis.
Baby teeth and permanent teeth require different treatment in this situation.
If the tooth is a permanent tooth and you can find the tooth, you yourself can re-implant it. Make sure to pick the tooth up by the crown (white part), being very careful not to touch the root (the yellow part that is usually hidden under your gums). When dirt is present rinse it under running water for 10 seconds, but don’t scrub! Place the tooth with gentle pressure right into the socket, bite down on a washcloth holding firm pressure to keep tooth in correct position and call your dentist!
In some cases it is not possible to re-implant the tooth yourself. If there is damage to the bone where the tooth goes or if you just don’t feel comfortable putting it in yourself there is another option!
Place the tooth in a sealed container with milk or saline, if either of these items cannot be located, place the tooth between the molar teeth and the cheek and hold in your mouth until you get to your dentist. However, be very careful not to swallow.
Once the tooth has been re-implanted your dentist will usually splint this tooth to the adjacent teeth for 7-10 days or until tooth is no longer loose and mobile. Your dental professional may recommend and antibiotic or a tetanus booster within 48 hours if the avulsed tooth was contaminated. An avulsed tooth will require close monitoring by your dentist for 2-3 years to determine its outcome, in some cases a root canal will be necessary to keep the tooth.
If a baby tooth is knocked out DO NOT attempt to put it back in! Doing so can damage the permanent tooth that is growing underneath. You should still check with your dentist to make sure that everything is okay!
-Amy Daniel, CDA
If you have any questions about how to handle your dental emergencies at home call us or send us a message!
