Is a knocked out tooth an emergency? If you want to save the tooth, then quick action is essential, making the situation urgent. What you do in the first moments after the tooth is knocked out could be the difference between saving or not saving the tooth.
Do you know what to do if your or your child has a knocked out tooth? Being prepared helps you act quickly and calmly, taking the necessary steps to preserve the tooth and get it put back in place. Learn more in this guide to dental trauma.
Why a Knocked Out Tooth Is a Dental Emergency
When a tooth is knocked out of the socket, the tooth itself and the supporting tissues may be damaged. The tooth will immediately begin to dry out when not in the mouth, which means it is slowly dying. The sooner it can be placed back in the socket, the better the chances that it can be saved, ideally within 30-60 minutes.
Take Immediate Action
Step 1: Handle the Tooth Carefully. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Touching the root can do irreparable damage to the tooth as the root is softer than the crown.
Step 2: Rinse and Preserve the Tooth Properly. Lightly rinse the tooth if dirty and store it in milk or saliva, not water. Keeping the tooth moist is important, but water actually dries out the tooth and strips away the outer cells. If you have a tooth preservation kit, that is the best option.
Step 3: Try to Reinsert the Tooth If Possible. Gently place the tooth back into the socket if conditions allow. Do not attempt reinsertion if the tooth is a baby tooth or if the tooth is broken or damaged. Seek emergency care immediately.
Step 4: Get to an Endodontist or Emergency Dentist Immediately. Getting to a dentist or specialist quickly improves the chance of saving the tooth. An endodontist specializes in treating dental trauma and stabilizing the tooth, making them uniquely qualified for this type of emergency.
What to Expect During Emergency Treatment
The first step is to make sure you are comfortable. The area will be numbed using local anesthesia before reinserting the tooth. Once the tooth is back in the proper position it will be stabilized using the neighboring teeth for support. If necessary, a few stitches may be placed in the gum tissue to repair damage from the injury. You will need to return for follow-up appointments to monitor the tooth. In some cases root canal therapy may be needed later if there was internal damage to the tooth.
How to Reduce the Risk of Tooth Injuries
The following are tips for preventing dental injuries:
- Sports mouthguards. Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries.
- Oral health maintenance. Daily oral hygiene and routine dental care helps keep your teeth and their support structures healthy, making tooth injuries less likely.
- Orthodontic treatment. Misaligned teeth and bite issues increase the risk of dental injuries from trauma. Orthodontic treatment to properly align the teeth and bite can reduce the risk.
- Act Fast to Protect Your Smile
Fast action and proper tooth preservation gives the best chance of saving a knocked out tooth. Contact Eagle Endodontics immediately in any dental trauma situation. We are here to provide calm, professional care in emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knocked Out Teeth
How long can a tooth stay out of the mouth and still be saved?
Ideally a tooth should not be left out of the socket for more than 30-60 minutes. Proper preservation in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit extends that time, but prompt treatment is still crucial.
Should I still see a specialist if I cannot save the tooth?
Even if the tooth is beyond saving, it is still important to seek professional care. You may need treatment for damage to the surrounding tissues, and preparations should be made to replace the tooth.
We are Eagle Endodontics, a specialty practice focused on saving natural teeth and treating dental emergencies with precision and care. Our team has extensive experience managing traumatic dental injuries, including knocked out teeth. If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, contact us right away for expert care.