Knocked-Out Tooth: How to Save Your Smile with Quick Action

A knocked-out tooth isn’t just a painful experience—it’s a dental emergency that needs immediate attention.

Whether you’ve taken a blow to the face, slipped and fallen, or had an accident while playing sports, having a tooth knocked out can be distressing. Not only are you dealing with pain, but you might also be concerned about losing that tooth for good.

Conversely, taking immediate action will significantly improve your chances of keeping your tooth and getting your smile back.

Why Time Matters

If your tooth has been knocked out, you’re working against the clock.

You should act within 30 minutes to an hour to save the tooth. The probability of a successful reattachment drops with each passing minute, but don’t panic!

The probability of a successful reattachment drops with each minute that goes by.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Tooth is Knocked Out

The first few minutes following an accident are crucial.

If you or someone you know experiences a knocked-out tooth, here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Find the Tooth

Find the tooth and treat it with caution. The portion of your gum called the root is sensitive and easily broken, so try not to touch it. Hold the tooth by the crown, the white part you usually see above the gumline.

2. Rinse Gently with Water

If the teeth are dirty, rinse them with water or milk. Do not use soap, scrub, or dry them off with a tissue or cloth, as this can damage the tiny cells needed for a successful reattachment. Just a gentle rinse is enough to clean the tooth.

3. Reinsert the Tooth, If Possible

If you feel confident, gently place the tooth back into its socket. Make sure it’s facing the right way, and then use a clean cloth or a piece of gauze to bite down on it to hold it in place gently. Keeping the tooth in its natural position helps to keep the tissue around it alive.

4. Keep the Tooth Moist

If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, it’s critical to keep it moist. The tooth can be tucked inside your mouth against your cheek or placed in a milk or saline solution jar. Avoid using plain water, as this can damage the cells on the tooth’s root.

5. Call Your Dentist Immediately

Contact your dentist as soon as possible and explain the situation. Even if you’ve managed to reinsert the tooth, you still need to see a dental professional to ensure everything is aligned and the tooth has the best chance of staying in place long-term.

What Happens During Emergency Treatment?

When you arrive at the dental practice, the dentist will examine the surrounding area and your knocked-out tooth.

If you can reinsert the tooth independently, the dentist will check that it’s properly aligned and may use a splint to stabilise it. A splint is a wire or composite material that holds the tooth in place while the surrounding bone and tissue heal.

If you can’t reinsert the tooth, your dentist will clean the socket, rinse it, and reimplant it if it’s still viable.

Depending on the time passed, your dentist might use additional techniques, such as root canal treatment or medicinal solutions, to encourage reattachment.

After the tooth is repositioned, it will be closely observed in the upcoming weeks to determine whether or not it has attached to the bone.

You may be scheduled for follow-up visits and x-rays to ensure the healing process is on track.

Long-Term Care After a Knocked-Out Tooth

After the tooth has been reimplanted, you’ll need extra care during the healing process.

Your Applecross dentist will likely advise you to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, stick to soft foods, and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection.

It’s also common to be prescribed antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicine to help heal.

Even with the best care, there’s always a chance that the tooth might not fully reattach, which could lead to the need for future treatment like a dental implant or bridge.

However, following your dentist’s guidance and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments can significantly improve your chances of keeping your tooth.

Preventing Future Knocked-Out Teeth

Everyone is susceptible to accidents, but there are things you may do to lower your chance of losing a tooth in the future:

• Wear a Mouthguard: When playing sports, particularly contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can significantly protect your teeth. Even if it’s not a requirement for your sport, a mouthguard is a small investment that can prevent a costly dental injury.
• Be Cautious with Hard Foods: Your teeth become weakened when you bite down on hard things like ice or candy, which increases the risk of them breaking or falling out.
• Practise Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your teeth strong through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups helps to prevent gum disease and decay, as these conditions can erode your teeth and make you more vulnerable to accidents.

Knocked-Out Tooth Management in Applecross

If you ever encounter a knocked-out tooth, you know how crucial quick action can be.

Don’t let the fear of losing a tooth keep you from acting—time is your greatest ally.

At Epsom Dental Care Applecross, we’re here to help you in dental emergencies and offer professional care to preserve your teeth and improve your smile.

Contact us if you’ve experienced a knocked-out tooth or any other dental emergency.

With our team ready to assist, you’ll have the best chance of fully recovering. Your smile deserves the best care!

Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available in Applecross

Call (08) 9316 0555 today or book your appointment online.

Visit us at 729 Canning Hwy in Applecross.