Even with diligent oral health care, we can suffer an accident that may seriously harm our smiles. A blow to the face or an ill-timed bite can generate enough pressure, for instance, to cause a tooth to fall out.
If you lose one or more teeth this way, you have a small window of time in which you can replace them back in the mouth. You will need to seek prompt attention from your dentist to successfully restore the tooth to your smile.
Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can help you react better if this scenario arises. So read on to discover steps you should take urgently to save a knocked-out tooth and your oral health.
Steps to Save a Dislodged Tooth
Preserve the Lost Tooth
When you knock out a tooth, you should preserve it as soon as you can. Without access to the blood vessels in its socket, the tooth can begin to deteriorate quickly. Make sure you locate and handle the tooth carefully by its crown, not its root.
The root contains sensitive nerves that can sustain further damage if mishandled. If the tooth is dirty from touching the ground, do not rub at it with a cloth or other material or you could risk hurting it. Gently rinse it with milk or water instead.
Saliva will keep the tooth moist, the best way to preserve it. If you can, carefully place the tooth back in its socket. Do not force it into place though. Tuck it into your cheek if the socket is too painful or not feasible.
If you worry about swallowing the tooth, you can store it in a cup submerged in spit instead. You might use milk or water instead to protect the tooth. Milk works better than water because milk contains nutrients that will better keep the tooth preserved.
Visit Your Dentist for Emergency Treatment
Time is of the essence. Call your dentist right away if you lose one or more of your teeth. Or head straight to your dentist’s office for urgent treatment.
Ideally, you should seek dental care for the lost tooth within half an hour of the accident. Do not forget to bring the tooth with you to the dentist’s office. The dentist will examine the tooth, the socket, and the surrounding areas in your mouth for signs of additional damage.
Then the dentist will place the tooth gently back into the socket. They will use a splint to keep it in place. Over the next few days, the tooth will reattach itself.
If the tooth fractured or suffered other harm, it may take longer for the tooth to fully heal and reattach. If for some reason, the dentist cannot replace this tooth, you can discuss restorative dental solutions. Ask your dentist if you qualify for dental implants that can replace missing teeth.
Understanding the Critical First Hour
The first 60 minutes after a tooth is knocked out are critical for successful reimplantation. During this golden hour, the tooth’s periodontal ligament cells have the highest chance of survival. Immediate action significantly improves the odds of saving your tooth.
If possible, try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes, as survival rates drop dramatically after this window. Keep the tooth moist at all times during transport, whether in milk, saliva, or a specialized tooth preservation solution available in some first aid kits.
What to Expect During the Reattachment Process
Once your dentist successfully repositions the tooth, they’ll stabilize it with a flexible splint for approximately 7-10 days. This allows the periodontal ligaments to begin healing. You’ll need to follow a soft food diet during this period and avoid putting pressure on the affected area.
The dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and may recommend a tetanus shot if the injury involved dirt or debris. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the tooth’s integration and check for signs of complications like infection or root resorption.
Long-Term Care and Potential Complications
Even after successful reimplantation, a saved tooth needs special attention. The tooth may darken over time as the nerve tissue dies, potentially requiring root canal treatment. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the tooth’s health and stability. Some patients experience ankylosis. This happens when the tooth fuses directly to the bone instead of reattaching properly through the periodontal ligament.
Your dentist will watch for these issues and discuss options like internal bleaching for discoloration. He may also suggest alternative treatments, like dental implants, if the tooth doesn’t fully integrate. Proper oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard during sports can help protect your smile from future trauma.
Schedule an Emergency Visit
Time is critical when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. If you or a loved one experiences this dental emergency, contact our office immediately at (215) 372-1142 today. Our team is trained to handle dental trauma and will prioritize your case to give your tooth the best chance of survival. Don’t wait, every minute counts in saving your smile.