Whether from playing a contact sport or getting in an accident, having a permanent tooth knocked out can be alarming. Fortunately, dentists can restore the natural tooth if you act promptly. Even if they can’t, you can still receive a dental implant that will look, feel, and function just like your natural tooth. Find out what to do if you knock out a permanent tooth to increase your chances of restoration.

What to Do After Losing a Permanent Tooth

1. Clean the Tooth

If the tooth was on the ground or came into contact with any unclean surfaces or substances, rinse it gently using water. Don’t use any cleaning agents. When handling the tooth, hold it from the chewing surface. The root side has critical nerves that must be kept intact.

2. Keep It Moist

After cleaning off the tooth, insert it back into the socket. Use your fingers to gently guide the tooth in and push down slightly. Hold it in place by biting down with minimal force or using your fingers.

If the tooth won’t go into the socket, keep it in the recesses of your mouth, next to the cheek.

If your child has lost a permanent tooth and you’re worried they’ll swallow it, keep it in a glass of milk instead.

3. Seek Care Promptly

Time is critical when attempting to salvage a knocked-out permanent tooth. Aim to see your emergency dentist within 30 minutes after the tooth has been knocked out. They’ll re-implant the tooth and use a splint attached to the surrounding teeth to support it.

If there’s no way for you to get to the dentist’s office in a timely manner, you’ll still be able to get a dental implant down the road. Unlike other prosthetics, dental implants are permanently affixed to the jaw to create the strongest restoration.

If you’ve lost a permanent tooth due to injury, gum disease, or any other cause, allow the team from Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska to help. Specializing in dental implants, this Anchorage-based practice has three convenient locations. Their doctors also provide emergency room coverage for facial injuries at Alaska Regional and Providence Hospitals to help ensure they’re available during any patient’s time of need. Find out more about their approach to implant dentistry online, or call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment.