How to handle a knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. How you handle it can determine whether the tooth can be successfully re-implanted. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if a tooth is knocked out:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First, remain calm and try to reassure the person who has lost the tooth. It’s important to act quickly, but carefully. If the injured person is a child or another individual who may panic, guide them to stay as calm as possible.

2. Find the Tooth

Locate the knocked-out tooth immediately. Try to find it as soon as possible. The quicker you act, the better the chances are for successful re-implantation.

3. Handle the Tooth by the Crown, Not the Root

When picking up the tooth, handle it by the crown (the part of the tooth that is normally visible in the mouth). Avoid touching the root, as it can damage the cells that are necessary for re-implantation.

4. Clean the Tooth (If Necessary)

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water to remove dirt or debris. Avoid using soap or scrubbing the tooth, as this can cause damage. Do not use alcohol or other chemicals. If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket gently. If this isn’t possible, proceed with the next step.

5. Keep the Tooth Moist

A tooth that has been knocked out needs to stay moist in order to increase the likelihood of successful re-implantation. There are several ways to keep the tooth hydrated:

• Place the Tooth Back in the Socket: If you can, gently reinsert the tooth into the socket. Have the person bite down gently to hold the tooth in place.

• Use Milk: If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk. Milk helps preserve the root cells and maintain the tooth’s vitality.

• Saline Solution: If milk is unavailable, a saline solution can be used as an alternative.

• Use the Person’s Saliva: If no other options are available, place the tooth between the person’s cheek and gum or in a clean container with a bit of the person’s saliva to keep it moist.

6. Seek Dental Help Immediately

Time is critical in saving a knocked-out tooth. Get to a dentist as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour. The longer the tooth is outside the mouth, the lower the chances of successful re-implantation.

• Call Ahead: If possible, call the dentist’s office ahead of time to let them know you’re coming with a knocked-out tooth. They may have special instructions for you or be able to prepare for your arrival.

• Urgent Care or Emergency Room: If you’re unable to get to a dentist immediately, go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room. They may not be able to re-implant the tooth but can provide interim care.

7. Manage Pain

While waiting for dental care, if the person experiences pain, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Follow the dosing instructions on the package and avoid placing aspirin directly on the injured area as it may worsen the bleeding.

8. After Re-implantation Care

If the dentist is able to successfully re-implant the tooth, they will likely splint it to adjacent teeth to stabilize it while the tooth heals. Aftercare will involve:

• Follow-up Visits: Ensure the person returns to the dentist for any follow-up care, such as checking for infection or adjusting the splint.

• Avoid Hard Foods: For a period of time after re-implantation, the person should avoid eating hard foods or chewing directly on the re-implanted tooth to allow the healing process to progress smoothly.

9. What Happens if the Tooth Cannot Be Re-implanted

In some cases, the tooth may not be able to be re-implanted, especially if it has been outside the mouth for too long or if the root is too damaged. In such cases, the dentist will discuss alternative options such as:

• Dental Implants: A dental implant can be used to replace the lost tooth.

• Bridges or Dentures: If a dental implant is not possible, a bridge or partial denture may be recommended to restore function and appearance.

10. Preventing Future Tooth Loss

While it’s not always possible to prevent accidents, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of a knocked-out tooth:

• Mouthguards: If you’re involved in contact sports, wearing a mouthguard is a good preventive measure to protect your teeth.

• Regular Dental Checkups: Keeping your teeth healthy through regular dental visits can ensure that they are less likely to be damaged or lost due to decay or other issues.

Conclusion

Dealing with a knocked-out tooth can be stressful, but acting quickly and properly can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth. By handling the tooth carefully, keeping it moist, and seeking immediate dental care, you maximize the likelihood of successful re-implantation and long-term dental health.