How Do I Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Before I See an Emergency Dentist?

The first few minutes after experiencing a knocked-out tooth are crucial. While the panic can be disorienting, staying calm is essential. Begin by checking whether the tooth has been fully dislodged from the socket or remains partially in place. Time is of the essence to have the best chance of saving your tooth.

• Handling the tooth: If the tooth is completely knocked out, locate it, and pick it by the crown (never by the root). The root surfaces have delicate structures that can be damaged, complicating reattachment. If the tooth is too dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. While preventing the tooth from drying out is essential, avoid plain water. It has substances that can damage root cells. Also, don’t scrub or use harsh detergents to clean the tooth. 
• Preserving the tooth: The objective is to keep the tooth moist and “alive” when you see your Haymarket emergency dentist. The best place to keep your tooth is back in the socket. Gently push the tooth back to the socket, and bite down on a cloth or gauze to secure it. If replantation isn’t possible, put the tooth in a milk or saline solution to keep the tooth viable. If these options aren’t possible, you can place the tooth between the cheeks and gums, but be careful not to swallow the tooth. 
• Pain management: Although preserving the tooth is essential, addressing pain and bleeding is also important. Consider over-the-counter medications to manage pain. Avoid blood thinners like aspirin as they can worsen bleeding. To manage bleeding, gently bite down on a gauze pad or a tea bag. Apply a cold compress to the outer cheeks to manage swelling.  

A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency. The sooner you see the dentist, the higher the chances of saving your tooth. You should see your dentist within 30-60 minutes after your injury. Beyond two hours, the chances of successful re-implantation decrease significantly. 

For better care, inform your dentist of your dislodged tooth to prepare for your arrival. Be ready to provide details about when and how the injury happened. We’ll try to reimplant your tooth. If it’s not possible, we’ll recommend a dental implant or bridge to fill the gap.