Accidentally knocking out a tooth can be a very stressful and scary experience. Unfortunately, while it may not always be possible to save a tooth that has become dislodged, there may still be a chance to reimplant it if you act quickly. Here’s what you should do if you suffer from this urgent dental emergency, and one important way you can prevent it from happening if you play sports.
Time Matters
When you knock out a tooth, time is of the essence. In fact, if you can place the tooth back in its socket or in a proper storage method within the first five minutes after it has been dislodged, it has a good prognosis for survival. This rate remains the same for the first hour, but anything beyond that could mean you likely will need to replace the tooth. For best results, head to an emergency dentist within thirty minutes to an hour.
What Do I Do if I Knock Out My Tooth?
The best thing you can do if you knock your tooth out is to place it back into the socket where it came from. While this will not magically reimplant it, it will keep it safe until your dentist can help. If it has any dirt or debris on it, rinse it first with either water or milk, then place it into your mouth without touching the roots. Next, using gentle pressure and clean hands, push it back into place in the socket. Don’t force it or shove it in if it does not fit.
You can also place it between the gums and the cheek if it won’t go back into the socket on its own, or you can keep it soaking in a container of milk, so it does not dry out. Never soak it in any type of water, as the roots cannot handle exposure for very long. Milk helps maintain the periodontal ligaments, making it more suitable for this type of situation. You can also use a tooth preservation kit if you have one. These are available at many pharmacies or online, and are great to have on hand, especially if you have rambunctious kids or play sports.
What Happens Next?
Once your tooth is safe, it’s time to head to your emergency dentist. For the best odds of reimplantation, you should try to arrive within 30 minutes, but no later than an hour after the tooth was lost.
Once there, your dentist will splint the tooth into place. This process usually takes from two to eight weeks, but please be aware there is no guarantee it will be successful. You may also require a root canal treatment during this time to help ensure its odds for long-term survival. If it ultimately is not able to be saved, your dentist will be happy to discuss tooth replacement options with you at your follow-up appointment.
Preventing Accidental Tooth Loss
While there are many reasons that teeth can become knocked out, a common cause is sports related injuries. In fact, approximately 5 million teeth are dislodged each year due to athletic accidents. The best way to prevent this is to wear an ADA approved sports mouthguard. While storebought boil-and-bite appliances offer a great deal of protection, the best devices are those that are custom made for you by your dentist. These are more comfortable and offer better protection, so you’re not only more likely to wear them, but they also feel better and provide improved security when you do.
Remember, if you accidentally knock out a tooth, time is of the essence. Acting quickly can help protect your tooth and prevent it from needing to be completely replaced. If the unthinkable happens, follow the steps above, and contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible for an urgent appointment.
About Our Practice
At Westchester Gentle Dentistry, Dr. Alidadi and Dr. Pellegrini are here to help save your smile! If you are suffering from an urgent dental emergency such as a knocked-out tooth, don’t wait to get help. Call us today at 914-289-0672 for faster service or visit our website for non-urgent assistance.
