A knocked-out tooth is something that can leave almost anyone stressed. You’ll need to visit your dentist within the hour to give yourself the best odds of saving it. In the meantime, you will need to keep the structure protected and moist. The socket it was just in is a good place to put it, and you can place it back in yourself! Here’s how and what you should do if you can’t reinsert the structure.
So, How Can I Reinsert My Knocked-Out Tooth?
If you wound up with a knocked-out tooth, it’s important you get it handled right away. These are some steps you should follow:
- Find the tooth and grab it by the crown.
- Clean it in a still bowl of milk, saline, or your saliva. Don’t use any soap or scrub it, as these can damage any tissues and cells attached to the root. You can use water, but make sure you don’t leave it in there for too long.
- Assess the condition and make sure it’s still fully intact and there’s no damage.
- Carefully arrange the tooth into its socket and bite on a clean cloth or gauze gently. Be sure you aren’t forcing it back in.
What If I Can’t Put My Tooth Back into Its Socket?
Doing the above can be uncomfortable for some, but it’s important you don’t let the structure dry out. Avoid wrapping it in a cloth, so place it into a glass of milk or keep it in your mouth. You can hold it between your gums and cheek; just be careful you don’t accidentally swallow it.
There are also tooth-preserving kits designed for this situation, so you can use one if you have them handy. You also shouldn’t use water as the tissues on the roots can’t handle it for too long.
Do I Still Need to Visit the Dentist If I Put My Tooth Back In?
If you can put your tooth back into its socket, great! But it’s still important you visit your dentist. Again, you have the best shot at saving it within the hour. If all is well, then your provider will stabilize it with a split. It will be held in place so the bone and gums around it can attach to it again. However, there’s a chance it’s unsalvageable, so you may need to consider replacement options. That way, you get back your confident smile.
About the Practice
At BridgeMill Dental Care, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here to help the Indian Land community with their dental emergencies. By getting you in as soon as possible, you can get the relief you deserve from your situation. If you’re experiencing the scenario above, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (803) 650-3925.