Losing a tooth in an accident can be a shock, but if you act fast, there’s a chance you can save it! When handled correctly, a knocked-out tooth can sometimes be reinserted into its socket and saved by a dentist. But should you try to put it back in yourself? The short answer is; Yes, but only if you do it the right way. Continue reading to see the steps you need to know to give your tooth the best chance of survival.
Step 1: Find and Handle the Tooth Carefully
If your tooth gets knocked out, time is of the essence. Find it quickly but be very careful when handling it. Only touch the crown (the part you chew with), not the root. This is because the root contains delicate cells that help with reattachment and touching it can reduce the chances of a successful save.
Step 2: Rinse the Tooth but Don’t Scrub
If your tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. However, avoid using soap, scrubbing, or drying it with a tissue. The tooth needs to stay moist and as untouched as possible to keep the fragile tissues still attached to the roots in a stable condition. Otherwise, it can severely decrease the odds of reimplantation.
Step 3: Place the Tooth Back into the Socket
If you feel confident and act quickly, you can try to gently place your tooth back into its socket. Once you manage to get it in place, grab a clean cloth or paper towel and bite down softly. This helps keep your tooth stable until you can get to a dentist.
However, if you can’t reinsert it, don’t force it. Instead, keep it moist by placing it in a cup of milk, saline, or inside your cheek (if you’re careful not to swallow it). Avoid tap water, as it can damage the tooth’s root cells.
Step 4: Get to the Dentist Quickly
Time is everything! A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if it’s reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes. Even if you successfully put it back in place, you still need to see a dentist immediately. Once there, they’ll check for damage, stabilize the tooth, and decide if further treatment is necessary.
A knocked-out tooth is a scary situation, but by following the steps above, you can restore your smile safely. The difference between a successful reimplantation and a lost tooth is time and planning. So, keep this information in mind and call your dentist at the first sign of trouble.
About the Author
Dr. Garry C. Phillips is a dedicated dentist with over 40 years of experience in saving smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio before working in the US Army as a medical researcher. Today, he provides exceptional dental care to help patients restore their smiles and find relief. Call (972) 712-0500 to schedule an emergency appointment at Frisco Dental Care or visit our website to learn more.