How to Care for a Knocked-Out Tooth Until You See a Dentist

Losing a tooth due to an accident or injury is a stressful experience, and knowing how to handle the situation immediately can make all the difference. Whether the tooth is knocked out during a sports activity or another type of accident, the steps you take right after the injury can significantly increase the chances of saving the tooth.

At Elements Dental Spa & Aesthetics, we understand how overwhelming it can be to lose a tooth unexpectedly. Our team is ready to provide fast, expert care to give your tooth the best chance for recovery.

If you’ve lost a tooth, contact us now to book your emergency appointment. We’re here to get you the help you need, right when you need it.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• What to Do Immediately After a Knocked-Out Tooth
  • Handle the Tooth Carefully
  • Rinse the Tooth (if necessary)
  • Store the Tooth Properly
• What Not to Do When a Tooth is Knocked Out
• Why Immediate Professional Help is Important
• How to Prevent Future Dental Emergencies
• What Happens After a Knocked-Out Tooth is Treated?
• Act Quickly: Get Professional Help Right Away

Key Takeaways

• The sooner you act after losing a tooth, the better the chances of saving it. Aim to see a dentist within 30 minutes to an hour.
• Always pick up the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root. Avoid scrubbing or using soap to clean it. If necessary, rinse briefly with water.
• If you can’t reinsert the tooth into the socket, store it in milk, saline solution, or between your cheek and gums. Never store it in water.
• Attempting to reattach the tooth on your own can cause more harm. Always seek immediate professional care.
• A dentist will assess the situation, possibly re-implant the tooth, and monitor for infection or damage that may require additional treatments.
• Protect your teeth with a mouthguard during high-risk activities, and maintain regular dental checkups to catch potential issues early.
• After a knocked-out tooth is treated, follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing. In some cases, a root canal or splinting may be needed.

What to Do Immediately After a Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth. The faster you act, the better the chances of re-implantation by a dentist. Here’s what you should do:

1. Handle the Tooth Carefully

Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root. The root is fragile, and any damage could prevent the tooth from being saved.

2. Rinse the Tooth (if necessary)

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly under cool water. Avoid using soap or scrubbing the tooth, as this could damage the delicate tissue on the root. Don’t dry the tooth, as it must remain moist to increase the chances of successful re-implantation.

3. Store the Tooth Properly

If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket. Gently bite down to keep it in place, but be careful not to swallow or cause any damage.

If you can’t reinsert the tooth, store it in a container with milk or saline solution, as these preserve the tooth’s cells. If milk or saline isn’t available, place it between your cheek and gums. Never store the tooth in plain water, as it can damage the root cells that are essential for re-implantation.

What Not to Do When a Tooth is Knocked Out

In an emergency, it’s easy to make mistakes that could worsen the situation.

Avoid the following:

• Don’t Touch the Root: The root is the most sensitive part of the tooth. Always handle the tooth by the crown to prevent damage to the root.
• Don’t Scrub the Tooth: While it’s important to rinse the tooth to remove dirt, scrubbing it with abrasive materials or detergent could harm the tooth and prevent it from being successfully re-implanted.
• Don’t Try to Reattach the Tooth Yourself: Avoid trying to reinsert the tooth into the socket on your own, as this could cause further harm or misalignment. Always seek professional help from a dentist.
• Don’t Wait Too Long to Seek Help: The longer you wait to see a dentist, the lower the chances of saving the tooth. Aim to get to a dental office within 30 minutes to 1 hour for the best chance at successful re-implantation.

Why Immediate Professional Help is Important

Seeking professional care right away is essential to saving a knocked-out tooth. While proper at-home care can help, only a dentist can fully assess the situation and safely re-implant the tooth.

When you arrive at the dentist, they will evaluate the tooth’s condition and decide on the best course of action. Depending on the situation, re-implantation may be attempted immediately, or other measures will be taken to protect the surrounding area and promote healing.

How to Prevent Future Dental Emergencies

While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of tooth loss:

• Wear a Mouthguard: If you play contact sports or engage in any activity where your teeth could be at risk, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from injury.
• Maintain Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to the dentist help identify potential dental issues early. Healthy teeth are less likely to be knocked out in an accident.
• Practice Safe Dental Hygiene: Avoid using your teeth for non-food purposes. Don’t use them to open packages, crack nuts, or bite hard objects. Proper care and good habits can make your teeth stronger and more resilient.

What Happens After a Knocked-Out Tooth is Treated?

Once a knocked-out tooth is successfully re-implanted, the recovery process can vary depending on factors such as how long the tooth was out of the mouth, how it was handled, and the overall condition of the tooth.

Here’s what to expect:

• Healing Time: The healing process typically takes a few weeks, during which the tooth will need to stabilize in the socket. You may be advised to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and follow any specific post-care instructions provided by your dentist.
• Possible Long-Term Care: Even if re-implantation is successful, you might need additional treatments, such as a root canal, especially if the tooth’s root or nerves were damaged during the injury.
• Monitoring for Infection: It’s important to monitor the tooth for signs of infection, such as pain, swelling, or unusual sensitivity. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your dentist immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
• Outcome Determination: After re-implantation, your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the tooth’s progress. If the tooth does not heal or becomes infected, your dentist may discuss alternative treatments, such as dental implants or bridges, to restore the function and appearance of your smile.

Act Quickly: Get Professional Help Right Away

When a tooth is knocked out, every minute counts. Delaying treatment can reduce the chances of saving the tooth. At Elements Dental Spa & Aesthetics, we understand how stressful a dental emergency can be, and our team is committed to providing you with the care and support you need.

Don’t let time work against you—get the help you deserve, right when you need it most. Call us now to schedule your appointment for immediate assistance.