Jun
Every year, an estimated 5 million people knock out at least one of their teeth. Whether you lost the tooth while playing contact sports, as the result of a fall, or for some other reason, a knocked-out pearly white is always a cause for alarm. You may be wondering: can I put a knocked-out tooth back into its socket on my own? Read on to learn what to do if this happens to you, whether you can replace it by yourself, and if an emergency dentist can save it.
If you have a knocked-out tooth, the first thing you need to do is contact your dentist. Explain what happened to them so they can give you information on what to do next. Once youāre done speaking with them and have scheduled an appointment to come in and have them examine the damage, try locating the tooth.
If youāre able to find it, pick the tooth up by the crown, which is the top part of it. Touching the roots may damage the sensitive cells on them. You should also avoid exposing the tooth roots to disinfectants, water, or soaps since these things may burst the cells and make it harder for your dentist to reattach it.
Until youāre able to see your emergency dentist, itās important to keep the knocked-out tooth moist. If you can, carefully position it above its socket. Use your fingers to gently press the tooth into place. Then, gently bite down on a piece of clean gauze. This will help hold the tooth in place. Even so, itās still important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Another way you can store a knocked-out tooth is between your gums and cheek. Saliva is the best liquid to store it in, but the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) says a clean container full of milk or an emergency tooth preservation kit will also suffice.
The sooner you visit your dentist after a tooth is knocked out, the better chance theyāll have of being able to save it. Getting to their office within 30 minutes of losing the tooth increases your chances of successful reattachment.
If possible, your dentist will place the tooth in the socket and use a splint to attach it to neighboring teeth to keep it in place and help the healing process. However, if they canāt reattach the tooth or you couldnāt find it, work with your dentist to decide how you want to replace method it to avoid additional oral health problems.
If you ever experience a knocked-out tooth, the above information will help you handle the situation. Visiting your dentist as soon as possible will give you a better chance of saving the tooth and mending your smile!
Losing or knocking out a tooth is never a fun situation to end up in, but the team at Glendale Dental Wellness Center is here to help. They offer emergency dental services for when the unexpected happens to help you get your smile back on the right track. If youāre interested in setting up an appointment with Glendale Dental Wellness Center or want to learn more about what to do about a knocked-out tooth, visit their website or call their office at 818-243-3838.
Dr. Ivan Chan is a compassionate dentist with extensive training in preventative, restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. He earned his Biology degree from the University of California, San Diego, where he helped run free dental clinics for underserved communities. Dr. Chan received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California, San Francisco. He has volunteered on mission trips in Mexico to provide quality dental care to underserved communities. Dr. Chan has also been on humanitarian missions with the US Navy on the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship. Committed to accessible, high-quality dental care, he combines expertise with a dedication to improving everyoneās oral health.
Dr. Jonathan Gao is a dedicated orthodontist with a passion for providing exceptional care. He holds a degree in Human Biology from UC San Diego and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from UC San Francisco (UCSF), where he also completed his orthodontic residency. Dr. Gao’s commitment to both research and community service earned him multiple awards, including Distinguished Volunteer and Provider of the Year at the UCSF Community Dental Clinic. His expertise, coupled with his dedication to serving others, underscores his reputation for delivering trustworthy, patient-centered care.
Dr. Moji Ghalambor is a highly skilled endodontist who is passionate about patient care and community service. He earned his Biology degree from Hope International University, where he also played collegiate soccer, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Southern California (USC). After practicing general dentistry, he pursued specialized training in Endodontics at USC. Dr. Ghalambor served as class president for four years and participated in mission trips to Belize, Cambodia, Nicaragua, and Panama. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to underserved communities define his trustworthy approach.