A fall, accident, or collision can leave you with a missing tooth. Instead of panicking, understand the steps you should take to reduce pain and save the tooth. Follow these tips if you unexpectedly lose a tooth, and then call your emergency dentist.

4 Steps of Knocked-Out Tooth Protocol

1. Find & Care for the Tooth

Acting quickly is essential if you want to save the tooth. Find it immediately and pick it up by the tip, not the root. Carefully rinse the tooth using only water, and avoid using disinfectants, chemicals, or toothpaste.

2. Reposition the Tooth

You’re going to need the help of your dentist or an emergency dentist, but before you pick up the phone, place the tooth back into the socket. It won’t stay put, of course, so hold it in place. Depending on the location of the tooth, you may be able to bite down to keep it in place. Ideally, you can bite down or hold the tooth in place for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Protect the Tooth

Perhaps you cannot hold the tooth in the socket due to pain or the fact that it’s broken. You still have a chance of saving it by keeping it in your cheek, where it remains in a familiar environment. As a last-ditch effort, place the tooth in a glass of milk, which will help preserve it until you get to the dentist.

4. Call Your Dentist

If your tooth is knocked out during business hours, call your dentist for an immediate appointment. If the injury occurs at night or on the weekend, find a local emergency dentist who can get you in right away. Ideally, you should be seen by a dentist within 30 minutes of the injury, which gives your provider the optimal chance of saving your tooth.

If you had a tooth knocked out, let Mark Stephens DMD and his team provide the care you need. Serving Richmond and all of central Kentucky, Dr. Stephens and his team provide compassionate care in all situations— even emergencies. Patients can request routine dental screenings and cleanings, cosmetic dentistry services, and emergency care. To schedule an appointment, call (859) 626-0069. Learn more about available services on the website.