Knocked-Out Tooth Pantego

Why Having an Available Dentist Matters

When a tooth is knocked out, you do not have much time to address it. In fact, most teeth that have been knocked out are only salvageable for replacement for about one hour. Once that window closes, the tooth can no longer be effectively placed inside of the mouth. From there, your only option is to consider tooth replacement.

When you have a dentist to call, you spend less time searching for one in your area or confirming if they’ll accept your dental benefits. Just like having a hospital or doctor to visit in case of a medical emergency, you should have a dentist who can see you for urgent care, ideally on the same day.

How Can a Tooth Be Knocked Out?

One of the most common reasons a tooth is knocked out is because of physical trauma. This could occur from a bad fall, either at home or while you’re out. However, physical injuries are more common when playing sports. Participating in activities like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and other sports where the chance for impact is high inherently puts you at higher risk for oral injury. This is why wearing the right protective gear makes a difference.

What You Need to Do Right Now

The moment your tooth is knocked out, start by looking for it. If found, pick it up by the crown portion only and do not touch the root. If you see any tissue still attached, leave it that way. After gently rinsing your mouth out with warm water and carefully removing any dirt or debris from the tooth, place it back into your open socket. This will keep it preserved for the time being. If the tooth does not stay in place, you can keep it in a container of milk, salt water, saline solution, or saliva if nothing else is available. You can also take ibuprofen and apply a cold compress to your face to alleviate any pain and reduce facial swelling.

Your Treatment Options Moving Forward

When you arrive at our office, we’ll do everything possible to save the tooth and get it back into your open socket so it can heal properly. Assuming we aren’t able to place the tooth back into your mouth, your tooth replacement options include dental bridges and dental implants. Both come with unique differences that we’ll go over if the tooth cannot be saved.