A knocked-out tooth is scary, but quick, calm action can make all the difference. Whether it happens on the soccer field, in the playground or from a fall at home, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can mean the difference between saving your tooth and losing it for good.
Time is critical
The first 30 to 60 minutes after the injury offer the best chance of saving a knocked-out permanent tooth. The longer the tooth is out of the mouth, the lower the odds of a successful reattachment, so don’t wait around — find the tooth and call our office right away.
Handle the tooth carefully
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), never the root. The root holds delicate tissue that’s essential for healing, and touching it can cause damage. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or clean water for a few seconds — don’t scrub it or use soap.
Try to put it back in place
If possible, gently reinsert the tooth into its socket and bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it steady. If reinsertion isn’t an option, keep the tooth moist by storing it in milk, saline or tucked inside your cheek, then get to a dentist as quickly as you can.
If the tooth can’t be saved
Sometimes, even with fast action, a tooth can’t be successfully reimplanted. The good news is that you still have excellent options for restoring your smile. Dental implants are a durable, natural-looking way to replace a missing permanent tooth and protect your bite and jawbone for years to come.
We’re here when it counts
Dental emergencies don’t wait for convenient timing, and neither do we. If you or your child has a knocked-out tooth, contact Bow Island Dental immediately — bring the tooth with you if you can. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of saving your smile.