How to handle a knocked out tooth
Act fast after a knocked-out tooth has occurred as the first 5 minutes of being knocked out are crucial it is likely that the tooth will survive.
Taking care of a knocked-out tooth can be a very time-sensitive situation, so you’ll want to act as quickly as you can. The following steps will guide you through the process of fixing a knocked-out tooth:
- Stay calm: The first thing you need to do is stay relaxed. This is a lot to take in, so take a deep breath and try not to panic. You need to remain calm to respond effectively to the situation.
- Pick up the tooth from the crown: Avoid touching the root of the tooth as it can damage the delicate tissues essential for reattachment.
- Rinse the tooth gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or use soap, chemicals, or alcohol.
- Attempt reinsertion (if possible): If it’s an adult tooth, try to reinsert it back into the socket immediately. Hold the tooth by the crown and gently push it into the empty socket. Once in place, bite down on a clean piece of cloth or gauze to hold it in position.
Store the tooth properly (if reinsertion is not possible): If you can’t reinsert the tooth, you need to keep it moist to preserve it. Place it in a container of milk, saliva, or a specialized tooth preservation solution (available at pharmacies). These mediums help maintain moisture and increase reimplantation chances.
Conclusion
Seek immediate dental care: Time is crucial in this situation, so you must see a dentist as soon as possible. Contact your dentist or an emergency dental service for guidance or you can book an appointment with us.
In cases where reattaching the tooth is not possible because of time constraints or the tooth’s tissue is damaged, tooth replacement may be an alternative to tooth repair.
