A knocked-out tooth is a worrying dental emergency to find yourself in. Having your smile suddenly on the line can leave you stressed and unsure what to do next. Acting fast can make the difference, so you should see your dentist within an hour of it happening. You will need to keep the structure safe in the meantime, but should you reinsert it back into its socket yourself? Here’s what you should know.
Should You Put Your Knocked-Out Tooth Back in Yourself?
The short answer is yes! It is possible to put your tooth back in yourself, but these are the proper steps you should follow:
- Pick up your tooth by the crown, avoiding touching the root.
- Rinse it in a still bowl of milk, saline solution, or your own saliva. Steer clear of chemicals, soap, or scrubbing, as these can damage the delicate cells on the root. Water can work in a pinch, but keep contact time brief.
- Check the tooth for any damage to confirm it’s still intact.
- If everything looks good, guide the structure back into its socket and gently bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place. Be sure you don’t force it back in.
What If I Can’t Reinsert My Tooth?
In some cases, you may not be able to put your tooth back in place. If so, place it into a glass of milk, or tuck it between your cheek and gums; just be careful not to swallow it. A tooth-preserving kit can also come in handy if you happen to have one nearby. In all, you should avoid wrapping it in a cloth or letting it dry out, as both can reduce the odds of reattachment.
Do I Still Need to Visit My Dentist?
Whether or not you’re able to reinsert your tooth yourself, a trip to the dentist is still essential. As mentioned above, getting seen within that first hour gives the structure the best possible chance of being saved.
If it can, then your provider will place a splint to hold it steady while the surrounding bone and gum tissue reattach. If this isn’t an option, then you will get walked through different replacement options. Either way, they are here to guide you through this situation.
About the Practice
Have you suddenly knocked out a tooth? Our team at Todd Phelan, DDS is here for your urgent oral care needs with same-day appointments. Led by Dr. Phelan and Dr. Tyler Gossett, we use state-of-the-art technology to find the root of the issue and give you effective solutions. If you are experiencing the scenario mentioned above, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at 479-636-3400.