Imagine you’re playing basketball, running errands, or even just eating, and suddenly—pop!—your tooth gets knocked out. It’s a moment of panic, but don’t worry, your next steps can make all the difference. When it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth, timing is everything.
Emergency dental professionals stress that quick action increases the chances of successfully reimplanting the tooth. But what should you do in those crucial first moments? Let’s dive into the professional recommendations that can help you keep your smile intact.
What To Do Immediately After a Tooth Is Knocked Out?
Time is of the essence when dealing with a knocked-out tooth. The quicker you act, the better the chances of saving your tooth.
1. Find The Tooth
It may sound obvious, but finding the knocked-out tooth is the first step. Don’t just leave it where it fell. Gently pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root, to avoid damaging the fragile tissue.
2. Rinse the Tooth (If Dirty)
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water or saline solution. Avoid scrubbing or using soap or any chemicals, as this could harm the tooth. Do not dry the tooth. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket immediately.
3. Try To Reinsert the Tooth
If it’s possible to reinsert the tooth into its socket without causing damage, do so gently. Bite down softly on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place. This will help keep the tooth moist and encourage the tissue to reattach.
4. Keep The Tooth Moist
If reinserting the tooth isn’t an option, place the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution. You can also use your own saliva if nothing else is available. Keeping the tooth moist is crucial to preserving the cells in the root, increasing the chances of successful reimplantation.
What Not To Do After a Knocked-Out Tooth?
While there are important steps to follow, there are also key mistakes to avoid when you have a knocked-out tooth. These can significantly impact the tooth’s chances of survival.
1. Don’t Touch The Root
Avoid touching the root of the tooth. Handling the root can damage the delicate tissue, which is necessary for successful reattachment. Always handle the tooth by the crown.
2. Don’t Delay Seeking Dental Help
Time is of the essence. Emergency dentist in New York recommend seeking treatment within 30 minutes to an hour after a tooth is knocked out. Delaying can reduce the chances of reimplantation, as the cells in the root may begin to die without proper care.
3. Don’t Use Water to Store the Tooth Long-Term
While rinsing the tooth briefly with water is okay, storing it in water for an extended period is not ideal. Water can cause the cells on the root to swell and damage them. Always opt for milk, saline, or your own saliva for short-term storage.
Possibility That a Knocked-Out Tooth Can Be Saved?
According to the American Association of Endodontists, the success rate for reimplanting a knocked-out tooth is highest when the tooth is reinserted within 30 minutes of the accident.
Beyond this window, the chances of successful reimplantation decrease significantly. In fact, if a tooth is not replanted within one hour, the chance of saving it drops to about 10%.
What To Expect at The Dentist?
When you arrive at the dentist, they will evaluate the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. If reimplantation is possible, the dentist will clean the area and place the tooth back in its socket. They may use a splint to hold the tooth in place while it heals.
If reimplantation isn’t workable, they may discuss alternative treatments like dental implants or bridges.
Getting a knocked-out tooth can be an overwhelming incident, but how you respond in the first few minutes can determine whether your tooth is saved. Remember to stay calm, handle the tooth carefully, and get to our emergency dentist as soon as possible.
With quick action and prompt dental care, there’s a good chance that your tooth can be saved. So, don’t wait! The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving your smile.
