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Knocked-out teeth are a more common dental emergency than most people realize. When this happens, you may be able to save the tooth if you know how to react appropriately. Follow the steps below with your dentist to minimize your pain and restore your smile as quickly as possible.

3 Steps to Take When You Knock Out a Tooth

1. Rinse

dentistBegin by cleaning both your mouth and the tooth since they may have gotten dirty. Do not use any soap or chemicals; just gently rinse with water. Staunch the bleeding in your mouth with a piece of gauze to help it clot. Do not rinse after the bleeding has stopped to avoid dislodging the clot.

2. Store the Tooth

If possible, put the tooth back in its socket. Gently hold the crown with your fingers and push the root in place. Hold it with your fingers or by biting down on it softly. If you can’t keep the tooth in the socket, keep it moist in a cup of milk. If you don’t have milk, you can use saliva instead. Don’t use tap water since the chemicals in it can damage the tooth.

3. See a Dentist

Schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. It’s best if you can get into the office within 30 minutes and bring the tooth with you. If the tooth or bone is not broken, they will clean the socket and re-implant the tooth.

 

If you’ve knocked out a tooth, schedule an appointment with Stephen R. Ho, DDS, who is available around the clock for emergencies in Honolulu, HI, and surrounding areas. Dr. Ho has more than 30 years of experience providing dental health and cosmetic dentistry services, and his team has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. Learn more about their offerings on their website, and call (808) 949-4288 to schedule your appointment with the dentist.

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