When your tooth is knocked out, acting as quickly as possible is key. After 30 minutes of the tooth being out of its socket, the chances of your dentist being able to save it begin to drop. Fortunately, you can help improve those odds with a few tips.

What to Do When Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out

1. Tend to the Wound

When a large enough trauma occurs to knock out a tooth, there may be other damage — such as lacerations, punctures, or cracked teeth — that needs attention. Rinse your mouth out gently with warm water, and inspect your gums, teeth, cheeks, and lips for severe wounds or traces of dirt. Pack deep lacerations with sterile gauze, and remove any debris from wounds. If your tooth’s socket is still bleeding steadily, bite down on a wet piece of gauze to apply pressure.

2. Recover & Store the Tooth

If you bring your tooth to the dentist, they may be able to let it heal in the socket. Find the tooth that was knocked out, and only touch the crown (biting surface) so you don’t damage the root. Clean it by running it under a trickle of warm water, and, if possible, place the tooth back in the socket, biting down a little to keep it in place. If you’re unable to put it in the socket, place it in a small amount of milk or wrap it in wet gauze to keep it from drying out.

3. Contact a Dentist

Immediately call an experienced dentist who can handle an urgent situation the same day. Tell them what happened, the condition of your mouth, the condition of your tooth, and how long it’s been since the accident occurred so they can prepare to treat you. When you arrive at their office, they’ll take images of your mouth, possibly with digital X-rays, to get an idea of the damage and analyze the likelihood of being able to save the tooth. If that isn’t a viable option, they’ll discuss possible treatments, such as oral surgery for an artificial tooth or allowing the socket to remain empty.

For skilled restorative dentistry, visit Apex Dental Care. With four licensed dentists on their team in Issaquah, WA, they’ve been providing advanced dental services to King County for over 15 years. Utilizing modern technology such as digital X-rays, they offer a comprehensive set of services, from oral surgery to whitening to gum disease treatment. They take an individualized approach to provide you with elite care tailored to your dental needs, and their friendly staff will make you feel at home. Learn about their services online, and call (425) 837-0383 to schedule an appointment today.