What to Do if Your Tooth is Knocked Out

A tooth that is knocked out, or avulsed, can seem like a catastrophe. Luckily, there are steps you can take to preserve the tooth and see to its reinstatement. These steps rely more than anything on quick action.

After locating the tooth, you should pick it up by the crown, being careful not to touch the root. Tooth roots are extremely sensitive, and are easily damaged. You may rinse the tooth with water, but do not apply any soap or chemicals. You do not need to dry the tooth, or wrap the tooth in tissue.

After cleaning the tooth, it is best to try to reinsert it into the bone socket. Do this with your fingers, or hold the tooth in place by biting down gently. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, you need to seek a storage solution. Milk is best. Water is not recommended, as the surface cells of the tooth root can only tolerate it for very short periods. You can also keep the tooth in your mouth, next to your cheek.

After all these measures are taken, you must see a dentist or endodontist immediately. The ideal window for tooth reinstatement is 30 minutes, although in some cases it is possible to restore a tooth that has been out of the mouth for longer. Our Emergency dentist in Los Angeles will evaluate the tooth, check you for other oral or facial injuries, and discuss further treatment options.

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