Follow These Steps to Save Your Knocked-Out Tooth

Many of us consider our permanent teeth … well, permanent, but more than 5 million Americans have one knocked out each year. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s easy to panic. However, it’s important to remember it’s not the end of the world. Acting quickly can actually prevent the need for a restoration and help preserve your natural smile.

At Family Dental Group in Gardner, Northborough, and Paxton, Massachusetts, our team led by Nikhil Lavana, DMD, and Archana Kharkanis-Lavana, DMD, provides same-day emergency treatment for avulsed (knocked-out) teeth. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on what to do if you lose a permanent tooth.

How to save a knocked-out tooth in 5 simple steps

Here’s what to do if you get hit in the mouth and lose a permanent tooth:

1. Pick the tooth up carefully

Human teeth are made from tough mineralized tissues, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. If a tooth falls out of your mouth, you must act quickly using a gentle approach. Always pick up the tooth by the crown (aka the chewing surface). Grabbing it by the root — the delicate tissue that connects it to the socket — can cause permanent damage and reduce the chances of saving the tooth.

2. Rinse it gently

After picking up your tooth, rinse it in saline (salt water) or cow’s milk. If those aren’t available, clean tap or bottled water works fine. Avoid scrubbing the tooth or using soap, as either can damage the root. The goal is simply to remove any debris before moving forward.

3. Try to put the tooth back in place

Once your tooth is clean and free of debris, place it back into its socket. Then, gently bite down on a clean piece of gauze or cloth to help prevent it from wiggling around.

Sometimes, reinserting a knocked-out tooth isn’t possible. If this is the case in your situation, move on to the next step.

4. Keep the tooth moist

If your tooth doesn’t fit easily back into its socket, keep it moist until you can get to our office. You can either store it in a glass of milk, or gently tuck it inside your cheek (just be careful not to swallow it). Whatever you do, don’t place your tooth in water. This can damage the root and prevent reinsertion.

5. Visit the dentist ASAP

Making it to our office within 30-60 minutes of your injury is key to saving permanent teeth. Taking any longer can affect our ability to preserve the roots and reinsert the tooth into the socket. Call us immediately or walk in during business hours. We regularly set aside time for emergency appointments and will do everything we can to save your natural tooth.

Contact us immediately if you or a loved one lose a permanent tooth!

If you or your child have a knocked-out tooth, contact Family Dental Group today. After an oral exam and dental X-rays, we can make personalized recommendations to preserve your smile and prevent further damage. Call our nearest office or book your appointment online.