How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Before Seeing the Dentist

Are you dealing with a knocked-out tooth and don't know when to see the dentist? You have landed on the right page, as this blog is everything patients need to understand about handling such dental emergencies. When the tooth has just been knocked out of your mouth, there are chances to restore it in its place successfully. However, the success rate of tooth revival varies from patient to patient and the age group. 

Let's dive deep to discuss a few things you can try to handle knocked-out teeth until visiting the Phoenix dentist. 

Emergency Guide: Dealing with Knocked-Out Teeth Like a Pro

Restoring knocked-out or avulsed teeth is not the same for adults and kids. For grown-up patients, the chances of the tooth's survival after detaching from the mouth are higher. Meanwhile, dentists don't recommend restoring knocked-out cases if it is a baby tooth. To clear your confusion, try asking your dentist what the survival chances are for teeth once they get dislodged from their sockets. Below are a few steps you can apply while dealing with avulsed teeth. 

Act Swiftly

Timing is everything when it comes to handling a tooth that has already detached from its socket. Remember not to touch the root and hold the tooth from any of its edges. You must handle it with extreme care so the nerves or roots attached to the tooth remain intact. Try to get on-call support from an emergency dental practice that will assist you promptly with the avulsed tooth. 

Rinse Gently

If there is no way to hold the tooth back in its original position, try to remove the dirt or other particles with a gentle rinse. Make sure you are not using any chemicals or soap to clean the tooth. Use a cloth or tissue to wrap it securely before taking it to the dentist. Some practitioners recommend placing the dislodged tooth in a container. 

Reposition Carefully

Placing the tooth in its original place requires patience, knowledge, and expertise. This is where dentists come into the picture to apply the correct repositioning techniques to save teeth. You can follow their instructions to place the tooth in its socket, keeping it at the same level as the other teeth. 

You can use a wet tea bag or take the help of a gauze for biting down gently. This can be quite risky for many patients as they may end up swallowing their teeth. If you are not sure of this action, call your dentist for immediate care or the right guidance for a knocked-out tooth. 

Store Properly

The way you store the tooth before taking it to your dentist for restoration decides the success rate. Before considering storage options, you must keep the tooth moist so it doesn't dry out. According to many dentists, patients should use a clean container with a lid for storing avulsed teeth. They advise putting some milk or saliva into the container before placing the tooth inside. Closing the lid or plastic wrapping will provide a perfect enclosure for the knocked-out tooth. 

Seek Immediate Attention

If you are unable to follow or perform any of these steps, call your nearest emergency dentist right away. It is recommended that you visit the dentist within the next 30 minutes. The sooner you act, the higher the chances are that the dental practitioner will be able to restore the knocked-out tooth into its socket. 

Undoubtedly, there are several ways to deal with a knocked-out tooth with prompt and safe instructions advised by dentists. All you need to do is to remain calm and take the right action to minimize the risks during dental emergencies. You can always keep the contact information of your nearby emergency dentist for a personalized treatment plan for an avulsed tooth. Meanwhile, try these solutions discussed above to save your tooth and avoid permanent loss.