What To Do If Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out

The answer to this depends on a number of factors. Putting aside the panic and (likely) excruciating pain you’re probably experiencing, let’s look at some of your options.

If It’s A Clean Knock-Out

That is to say, if your tooth has been knocked loose and it’s still in-tact; the roots are still connected to the crown and there is little to know broken pieces lying around. In this instance, you have a couple of options.

Reinsert the Tooth

Easier said than done, for sure – especially if you are in an incredible amount of pain, which is probably the case. That said, you can pick the tooth up by the crown being careful not to touch the roots. Then, lightly wash it (no scrubbing!) with milk (tap water can damage the tooth roots) and then carefully reinsert the tooth. Be careful not to bite down on it, as the flesh surrounding it needs to heal.

Now, this isn’t the end of your tooth-reinsertion journey. As with any part of your body that’s been torn loose, time is of the essence if you want to save it Try to get to a dentist within the hour. He or she will inspect the tooth, clean it, and send you off with instructions for tooth care until it heals. Regular check-ups will likely be suggested.

If your tooth starts to turn black or grey, contact your dentist right away.

Preserve the Tooth In A Small Container Of Milk & Rush To The Dentist

As stated above, tap water can damage the tooth roots. Again, pick the tooth up by the crown and place it in a small container of milk. Then, try to get to the dentist’s office within the hour. It is possible for the dentist to replace the tooth for you, which may be done with local anesthetic to manage your pain.

From there, all of the information listed above applies – your dentist will tell you how to maintain the tooth until it finally heals.

If It’s A Not-So Clean Break

That is to say, if several shards or pieces of tooth have been knocked out and the roots are still more-or-less intact in your jawbone. In this case, you need to rush to your dentist’s office or make an appointment as soon as possible. Your dentist can do a number of things to repair the damage.

Generally speaking, your dentist can repair the damage via bonding, which is a procedure involving the adherence of a resin substance to the damaged areas which is then shaped to look and feel just like a natural tooth.

Bonding is so effective that, over time, you probably won’t even remember which tooth was broken and repaired in the first place.

Conclusion

Getting a tooth knocked out or damaged is usually a traumatic experience, but there are plenty of options available to you depending on the nature and extent of the damage. If you’ve had a tooth knocked out or seriously damaged, follow the relevant instructions above and contact your dentist immediately.