Having a tooth knocked out unexpectedly is shocking and painful. It can happen during a fall, a sports injury, or an accident. Regardless, knowing what to do to save a knocked out tooth can save you. Quick action increases the chances of reattaching it successfully. Let’s see the best steps to take.
What Should You Do If You Get a Tooth Knocked Out?
Having a permanent tooth knocked out sounds like work for an emergency dentist Seattle. The faster you act, the better the chances of saving it. Follow these steps carefully:
Pick Up the Tooth Carefully
Finding the knocked out tooth is the first step. Find and pick it up by the crown (the top part that you chew with). The root has important fibers that help the tooth reattach. So avoid touching the roots because touching them can cause damage. Alos, if the tooth falls on the ground, avoid using tissue or cloth to wipe it. This can damage the root.
Check for Damage
Looking at the knocked out tooth can help you to see if it’s broken. If it’s in one piece, you may still be able to save it. If it’s shattered or cracked, you need to bring it to the dentist anyway. They may still have options to restore your smile.
Additional tips for your knocked out tooth:
- If you are bleeding, use a clean gauze or cloth to apply gentle pressure.
- A cold compress on the outside of the mouth can reduce swelling and discomfort.
- If the impact was strong, check for a concussion, jaw injury, or broken facial bones.
- If the lips or gums are severely injured, they may also need medical attention.
Rinse It Gently
If your tooth is dirty, rinse it quickly with milk or saline solution. Remember! Do not scrub it; use soap or let it dry. Keeping the tooth moist in milk or inside the cheek is better than risking further damage. Avoid rinsing it with tap water because chemicals in the water can harm the root cells.
Try to Put It Back in the Socket
If possible, push the knocked out tooth back into the socket. Make sure it faces the right way. Hold it in place by biting down gently on a clean cloth or gauze. It helps keep it stable while you head to the dentist.
Remember:
- If the tooth is placed back, avoid chewing on that side.
- Drinking anything other than water could introduce bacteria to the exposed area.
Keep the Tooth Moist If Reinsertion Isn’t Possible
If putting the knocked out tooth back isn’t an option, keep it in milk or inside your cheek. Saliva and milk help keep the root cells alive. Do not store it in water because water can damage the tooth.
Get to a Dentist Immediately
Time is of the essence. Try to see a dentist within 30 minutes. Even if an hour passes, the knocked out tooth might still be salvageable, but the chances decrease the longer you wait.
If you are suffering from a knocked out tooth, stop Googling “emergency dentist near me” and call Kirkland Dental Excellence in Seattle at (425) 827-2003 immediately.
Why Do You Put a Tooth in Milk If It Falls Out?
Milk helps keep the tooth’s root cells alive until you get to the dentist. Here’s why milk works for a knocked out tooth:
- A dry tooth dies quickly. Milk keeps it hydrated.
- The minerals and proteins in milk prevent the tooth from breaking down.
- Milk has properties that slow down bacteria which keeps the tooth cleaner.
Note: If you don’t have milk, try using a saline solution or saliva instead.
How Long Do You Have to Put a Tooth in Milk?
The best time to place the tooth in milk is immediately after it falls out. If done within five minutes, the chances of saving the tooth increase. A tooth can survive in milk for about 30 to 60 minutes before the root cells start dying. The sooner you get to a dentist, the better your chances of keeping your tooth.
Front Tooth Knocked Out of Place
Front teeth are the most visible, so losing one can feel especially distressing. The same mentioned steps apply—handle it by the crown, avoid touching the root, rinse gently, and keep it moist. However, a front tooth has additional aesthetic importance.
If the tooth moves but doesn’t fall out completely, avoid pushing it back into place on your own. A dentist can reposition it properly to prevent long-term alignment issues.
What to Do If a Baby Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
Baby teeth don’t get reinserted because they could interfere with the adult tooth growing underneath. However, there are still important steps to take.
- Kids may be scared or in pain. Let them know everything will be okay.
- Have the child bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.
- Find the tooth and bring it to the dentist. Even though baby teeth won’t be put back in, the dentist will want to check for any remaining fragments.
- A dentist will check if the adult tooth underneath is affected. In some cases, losing a baby tooth too early might require a space maintainer to prevent alignment issues.
Treatment for a Knocked-Out Tooth in Kirkland, Near Seattle, Washington
A knocked out tooth needs professional care right away. At Kirkland Dental Excellence in Kirkland, Near Seattle, Washington, we specialize in emergency dental care and tooth reimplantation. Our team has the experience and advanced technology to give you the best chance of saving your tooth.
So don’t wait! Stop Googling “emergency wisdom tooth removal near me Kirkland” and call us at (425) 827-2003 to schedule an emergency appointment.
FAQs
Pick it up by its crown, rinse it, try to place it in the socket, or keep it in milk. See a dentist within 30 minutes.
A dentist is the best option. Go to the ER if you have severe injuries, excessive bleeding, or a broken jaw.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, avoid touching the area, and see a dentist to check for infection or remaining fragments.
Follow the same emergency steps: pick up the tooth by the crown, rinse it, keep it moist, and see a dentist immediately. If you have cuts or bruises, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
