How to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth

Do you know what you should do if you have a tooth knocked out? Whether the cause is sports, an accident, or an assault, knowing what to do and when to do it is critical. 

Injuring a tooth is never pleasant, but the good news is that most teeth may be reinserted into the tooth socket if the ligament is preserved. Though visiting our dentist at Stone Lake Dentistry in Cypress, TX as soon as possible is the ideal action, there are a few things you should know and do immediately.

Teeth can be knocked out in several ways. Any type of violent hit to the front of the face, nose, or cheeks can loosen, shift, or knock a tooth out of its socket.

Car accidents and contact sports are two of the most common causes of tooth loss. Depending on the severity of the injury, playing baseball, basketball, rugby, or other contact sports may necessitate a trip to the emergency room. 

If no other injuries are visible, your local dentist's office or clinic may be your best and least expensive treatment option.

When a tooth is knocked out from its socket, the ligament that holds it in place is damaged. The tooth needs all of the small nerve fibers to remain attached to survive. 

Because of this, carefully grasp the tooth by the crown rather than the root. Wipe away any excess dirt from the tooth and either replace it in the socket or hold it between your cheek and gums in your mouth while you seek emergency assistance, ideally within 15 to 30 minutes. Bathing the tooth in your saliva will allow it to survive.

If the tooth cannot be placed in the person's mouth, it should be placed in a glass of cool whole milk. A particular pH-balanced, cell-cultured solution can also be obtained to maintain the tooth alive for a longer time. 

The tooth must stay moist at all times, either in your mouth or in an emergency tooth preservation pack if it cannot be replaced in the socket. Use distilled water instead of conventional tap water; root surface cells cannot withstand it for long periods.