What to Do When Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out

Each year in the United States, over 5 million Americans have a tooth knocked out, a condition also known as an avulsion. If you’re among them, there’s no need to panic.

While a knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency with potentially serious complications, taking the right steps after your injury can protect your oral health and ease your discomfort.

The doctors at Central Avenue Dental in Valley Stream, Midtown, and Tribeca, New York City provide emergency dentistry and tooth restoration to effectively address these unfortunate accidents.

If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, consider the following steps to ensure a positive outcome.

Handle the tooth with care

Our team may be able to reattach your knocked-out tooth. To increase those odds, retrieve to the tooth, if possible. Handle it with caution by avoiding touching the root, touching only the chewing surface with your fingers.

From there, rinse any debris away with cow’s milk. Do not use tap water, as it could harm the fragile root. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the enamel. Slowly allow some milk to run over it, and keep some of the remaining in an airtight container. In addition to its smooth consistency, milk contains natural proteins and antibacterial properties that may benefit the tooth.

Gently place the tooth back in the socket 

It might seem reasonable to toss your knocked-out tooth in a plastic bag to bring with you to the dentist, but you should really try to place it back in the socket. If it doesn’t fit properly, fear not. Simply keep it lightly in place by biting down on a damp tea bag or a rolled-up piece of gauze.

If you aren’t able to keep the tooth in the socket, store it the afore-mentioned airtight container of cow’s milk to keep it moist and safe until the date of your dental visit. Alternatively, you can tuck the tooth under your tongue or on the inside of your cheek. 

Seek emergency dental care 

Ideally, you’ll receive dental care within 30 minutes of your injury. If that’s not possible, however, our team may still be able to reattach your tooth if you’ve handled and stored it well. 

Treatment for a knocked-out tooth depends on the specifics of your injury. We may place a dental splint to secure it in place, for example. If you have this treatment, you’ll receive aftercare instructions, such as eating only soft foods while the tissue heals and reattaches itself.

If reattachment isn’t possible or doesn’t happen with a splint, we may recommend tooth restoration treatment, such as a dental implant, a bridge, or partial dentures.

To learn more about missing tooth emergencies or get started with prompt treatment, call Central Avenue Dental or use our convenient online tool to schedule an appointment.