Where Do You Go If Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

Dental injuries can be frightening, and getting a tooth bumped, cracked or knocked out is at the top of the list of dental trauma. You need to act quickly, but do you know where to go? Many people don’t know who to see for a knocked out tooth. Do you go to the emergency room or the dentist? Here’s what you need to do in case of a tooth injury.. 

Step 1: Keep Calm 

This is easier said than done, but in case of a knocked out tooth, whether it is you or a loved one, stay calm. You’ll need to be able to make decisions about your treatment without worrying. In most cases a knocked out tooth can be saved, as long as you act quickly. 

Step 2: Put the Tooth Back in the Socket

The next step is to attempt to put the tooth back in the socket. If the tooth needs to be cleaned, carefully handle it by the crown only and avoid touching the roots. Plug the drain in your sink and rinse the tooth or clean it in a cup of milk ideally or water ( if not available). Gently put the tooth back in the socket until it feels like it is in the proper place. Bite down on some clean gauze to stop the bleeding and help the tooth settle back into position. 

Step 3: Store the Tooth in Milk 

If you can’t get the tooth back in the socket, place it in a cup of milk. Saliva can also work, if you can spit enough out to cover the tooth. Do not place the tooth in water. Water will cause the tooth material to break down and may prevent the tooth from being saved. 

Step 4: Contact an Endodontist 

In case of a knocked out tooth, an endodontist is the best professional to see. Endodontists specialize in saving teeth after trauma, giving you the best chance that your tooth will be able to be placed back in the socket and survive. The sooner you receive treatment, the greater the chances that your tooth can be saved. A tooth can remain out of the mouth for about 30 minutes and still be placed back in the socket. 

Treatment for a Knocked Out Tooth 

If your endodontist is able to place the tooth back in the socket, it will need to be splinted to your other teeth in order to stabilize it while the support structures heal. Over time the gums and jaw bone will tighten down around the tooth so that it is fully secure. The tooth may need a root canal later on if there was any internal damage due to the trauma that caused the tooth to be knocked out. If the tooth can’t be saved, there are replacement options such as a bridge or a dental implant.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Knocked Out Teeth

Can you put a baby tooth back in the socket? 

If a baby tooth gets knocked out you should Not put it back in the socket. This can cause damage to the permanent tooth. A baby tooth can typically remain out of the mouth with a space maintainer to hold the place for the permanent tooth when it is ready to come in. Re-evaluate with your family dentist to ensure proper spacing.

Can a knocked out tooth be saved if it is chipped or broken?

If the tooth is damaged in any way when knocked out, it may still be saved depending on the extent of the damage. Your endodontist will evaluate the condition of the tooth and determine the best course of treatment. 

Why Call Forest Lake Endodontics? 

We specialize in dental trauma, providing prompt treatment that offers the best chances of saving your tooth. In case of a knocked out tooth, we can provide the necessary treatment to restore the health of the tooth and help it stay in place. During regular office hours we will make time to see you as soon as possible. After hours please call and follow the voicemail prompts to leave a message and someone will contact you with instructions. 

Call 651-464-9888 right away to seek immediate treatment for a knocked out tooth. In non-urgent situations, contact us to learn more.