Picture this: You're playing soccer with friends when all of a sudden, the ball gets kicked in your direction, hits you square in the mouth, and knocks out a tooth. You're shocked and in pain — but you must act quickly. Waiting for even a minute too long can make saving the tooth impossible and increase your risk of further oral health complications.
At Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale in the Bronx, New York, Daniel Faiwiszewski, DMD, offers emergency dental care, including for knocked-out teeth. If you act fast, a dentist can replant and save the tooth. Here are step-by-step instructions for what to do immediately if one of your permanent teeth gets knocked out.
If one of your permanent teeth gets knocked out, stop whatever you’re doing and find it right away. Gently pick up the tooth by its crown (the white, solid part) and avoid touching the root or any other tissue on the bottom.
If your tooth is dirty, rinse it in cool water, but avoid scrubbing it or using soap. Then, try to place it back into its socket.
The roots of a permanent tooth contain living cells that are necessary for successful reimplantation, so it’s important that your knocked-out tooth doesn’t dry out. If you can’t place your tooth back into the socket, put it in a glass of milk or a saline (saltwater) solution. Do not use plain water.
If you aren’t home and don’t have access to these items, simply tuck the tooth inside your cheek; just be careful not to swallow it. Teeth have the best chance of surviving if they stay moist and are reimplanted within about 30 minutes, so make sure to move quickly into the next step.
Contact us immediately if you or a loved one loses a permanent tooth. We offer same-day emergency dentistry appointments and welcome walk-ins. Make sure to bring the tooth with you and be prepared to explain what caused the injury.
The sooner you make it to the office, the sooner we can begin treatment. Promptly addressing the issue is often the difference between saving and losing a permanent tooth. We understand you may be hurting and in shock, but our caring team aims to reduce anxiety and help you through the trauma.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to do — and what not to do — if one of your permanent teeth is knocked out.
Following these simple tips can significantly improve the chances of saving your tooth. Our office is equipped with the most modern technology, and we’ll do everything we can to reattach your tooth and preserve your smile.
If you’ve just knocked out a permanent tooth, contact Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale immediately. Call 718-549-645, and our friendly office staff can walk you through the steps you need to take and get you in to see Dr. Faiwiszewski.
