What should you do if your tooth gets knocked out!

One of the biggest problems with saving a tooth that has been knocked out (the dental term is “avulsed”) is dealing with the chaos that ensues.  People are all trying to give advice and there is usually a moderate amount of bleeding and pain with the trauma. 

     First save any tooth that has been knocked out and bring it to your dentist as soon as possible.  The longer you wait the less chance the tooth can be reimplanted.  Only handle the tooth by the crown (chewing edge).  Try to replace the tooth in the socket.  Make sure it is facing in the right direction.   Do not try and force it into the socket.  If it doesn’t go back into place easily, then it’s better to bring it to your dentist.  Place the tooth in a container and cover it with milk or saliva.  The tooth can also be carried between the lower lip and gum or under the tongue. 

     Once a tooth has been reimplanted a dentist will usually stabilize it by attaching it to the teeth next to it. Usually a root canal will need to be done because the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth are damaged beyond repair.

     If you are faced with this sort of trauma, remember to stay calm, follow these few steps and your chance to save your tooth will increase.