Knocked-Out Tooth? Follow These Steps!

If you knocked out one of your permanent teeth, would you know what to do next? In an urgent dental emergency like this, you’ll likely be somewhat disoriented and alarmed, so it’s important to know what to do ahead of time. Fortunately, a knocked-out permanent tooth can be saved if you reach your emergency dentist right away, but only if you handle it correctly! If you don’t take the right steps after having a tooth knocked out, your dentist may not be able to put it back in place. Here’s what you should do if you have a knocked-out tooth in Waupun or Beaver Dam.

1.) Find the Tooth & Handle It Carefully

Locate the tooth (if you can) and pick it up by the crown, which is the white part that’s usually above your gums. Make sure not to touch the roots of the tooth, as this could damage it and introduce bacteria. Wash the tooth off briefly with water, but don’t use any cleaning agents and don’t scrub away any lingering tissue. Next, rinse your mouth out as well.

2.) Store the Tooth & Clean Your Mouth

Your tooth needs to be kept damp until you see your dentist in order for it to stay alive and viable. However, do NOT keep your tooth in plain water! Plain water will cause the cells on the roots of the tooth to burst, which could kill it. Instead, try to place the tooth back in its socket or between your gums and cheeks. Alternatively, you can keep your tooth in a small container of saliva or milk.

3.) Call Your Emergency Dentist

If possible, have a friend or family call your emergency dentist while you start on step one. If you can reach your emergency dentist within 30-60 minutes of the tooth being knocked out, they may be able to save it. Your emergency dentist will likely schedule you for an appointment as soon as possible and give you more care instructions over the phone.

4.) Keep Your Smile Safe Until Your Appointment

On your way to your emergency appointment, make sure to follow the directions provided by your dentist over the phone. This could include rinsing your mouth out with saltwater, applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth to bring down swelling, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed on the label. Make sure to take your knocked out tooth with you to your appointment.

5.) See Your Dentist for an Emergency Exam

When you arrive, your dentist will see you right away. They’ll take a close look at your tooth and your mouth to see if it’s possible to save the tooth. If the tooth isn’t badly damaged and is still viable, they’ll place it back in the socket and splint it to the neighboring teeth to hold it in place as it heals over the coming months. However, if the tooth can’t be saved, you should go over tooth replacement options with your dentist. A dental bridge or dental implant will help prevent the complications that come along with tooth loss.

A knocked-out permanent tooth needs to be handled correctly and right away! Make sure to follow the above steps for the best chances of saving your smile.

About the Practice

At Dentistry of Wisconsin we do everything we can to see emergency patients the same day they call us. Our practice has advanced dental technology for fast and precise results, and we also offer calming nitrous oxide sedation for maximum comfort. Our team of highly experienced dentists has treated all manner of dental emergencies, and are standing by to help you regain a happy, healthy, and complete smile. If you have questions, we can be reached online or at (920) 887-2112.