Health Blog Articles

When a tooth is completely knocked out, it is a serious dental emergency. According to the American Association of Endodontists, over 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in both children and adults. 

This situation may appear hopeless at first glance, but there’s frequently an opportunity to save the tooth if you respond promptly and properly. This article will delve into the actions that should be taken if a tooth is knocked out, including contacting an emergency dentist in Warsaw, Indiana. 

Immediate Actions to Take

When a tooth has been knocked out, the most important thing is time. The quicker you take action, the more likely it is to save your tooth.

Find and Handle the Tooth Properly

• Step 1: Find the knocked-out tooth. Pick it up by its top part, which is called crown. Be careful not to touch the root. If a tooth has dirt on it, softly wash it with milk or your saliva. 
• Step 2: Keep the tooth in good condition while seeking help from a dentist. If possible, gently put back the knocked-out tooth into its original place. Hold it there by biting down on a piece of clean cloth or gauze.

If you can’t put the tooth back in, do not lose hope. Keep it moist by placing it in one of these options:

• A container with milk
• A cup of saliva (if you can spit into a container without swallowing)
• An emergency dental kit or an over-the-counter mouthguard solution

This will aid in preserving your natural tooth’s viability and increase the probability of successful reattachment at your emergency dental appointment. Do not use water, as it can damage the delicate root cells.

Attempt Reinsertion

Attempt to put the tooth back into its original spot. Be gentle in pushing it and then take care to keep it fixed there using clean gauze or tissue. If the tooth cannot be placed back, ensure that it stays damp by putting in milk, your saliva, or a specific product to keep teeth preserved.

Seek Professional Help Immediately

Call your dentist or an emergency dental clinic. You should try to see a dental professional within 30 minutes of the event. If you cannot contact a dentist, go to the nearest emergency room.

Factors Affecting Tooth Survival

Several factors influence the likelihood of successfully saving a knocked-out tooth:

Time Outside the Mouth

The more time passes with the tooth not in its socket, the less likely it is that putting it back will be successful. It’s best if the tooth is reimplanted within half an hour to one hour.

Storage Method

How you store the tooth during its transportation to the dentist is very important. If it is kept wet in either milk or saliva, this helps maintain and protect living cells on the root surface of your tooth.

Age and Overall Health

Younger patients usually have a higher possibility for successful replantation because their bodies can heal faster. Good health in general also contributes to the healing process.

Type of Tooth

Permanent teeth can be saved more often than baby teeth. Dentists usually do not try to put back baby teeth because it may harm the growing tooth that will take its place.

The Reimplantation Process

Once you have arrived at the dentist, they will evaluate and attempt to reimplant the tooth.

Cleaning and Examination

He or she will clean the socket and look at the tooth and tissues around it for more harm.

Reinsertion and Stabilization

If it hasn’t already been done, the dentist will put back the tooth into its socket. Then they will make it steady again, usually by attaching a splint to the teeth next to it.

Follow-up Care

There will probably be more visits required. The dentist might apply a root canal if the inner pulp of the tooth is harmed.

Recovery and Long-term Outlook

The recovery process after tooth reimplantation can take several weeks to months.

Initial Healing Period

In the beginning, you must be gentle with the tooth that has been put back in. Eat soft foods and don’t bite directly on this spot.

Potential Complications

Infection or root resorption (when the body begins to break down the root of the tooth) is a possible concern. It’s very important to have frequent visits to check this situation.

Long-term Success

If a reimplanted tooth is well cared for and treated in time, it can last for many years. But, some may need to be replaced by an implant or bridge at some point.

Prevention and Preparation

Even though mishaps can occur, there exist methods to decrease the danger of losing teeth and be ready for unexpected dental calamities.

Wear Protective Gear

Use mouthguards during sports or other high-risk activities.

Create an Emergency Kit

It may be wise to include a tooth preservation kit in your first aid kit, particularly if you or your children are involved in sports that involve contact.

Know Your Dentist’s Emergency Procedures

Familiarize yourself with your dentist’s emergency contact information and procedures before an accident occurs.

Final Thoughts 

A tooth that is knocked out requires immediate attention as it is a severe dental emergency. However, if you act quickly and provide the right care, many times the tooth can be saved. It’s crucial to comprehend what needs to be done and take action without delay because this can determine whether you lose or keep your original tooth. 

Always remember: prevention is better than cure. So, make sure to safeguard your teeth when participating in activities that pose high risks for dental injuries.