As you may know, your teeth can be lost for a number of reasons (though the most common reason is severe gum disease). In some cases, a traumatic injury can lead to the sudden loss of one or more teeth, in which case the loss is an emergency and prompt action is required to save your oral health. Today, we explain what to do in case of a dental emergency when your tooth is knocked out (or avulsed) to improve your chances of saving your smile.
What to Do with a Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth is suddenly knocked out of its socket, then your dentist may be able to re-plant your natural tooth, but time is of the essence. Follow these tips to improve your chances of saving your smile in the face of a tooth loss emergency;
- Rinse your mouth carefully and use clean, moist gauze to staunch any bleeding (if necessary).
- If possible, recover the tooth immediately, handling only the crown portion of the tooth (take care not to touch the roots or disturb any connective fibers).
- Rinse the tooth in a small bowl filled with tap water. Don’t hold the tooth under running water and don’t scrape or rub it. You might damage the roots surface and your tooth’s chances of survival.
- Try to replace the tooth in its socket and hold it in place until you can reach your dentist’s office. If the tooth doesn’t fit, don’t force it. Instead, place it in a small container with milk or your own saliva. If you can reach the office within the hour, then there’s a good chance that your tooth may survive long enough for your dentist to replace it.
