Fully Dislodged Tooth

Dislodged (knocked out) Teeth-Tramatic Dental Injury 

When a tooth is completely knocked out of your mouth, time is of the essence. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing portion). Try not to touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in running water; do not touch the root while doing so. Do NOT use soap or any other cleaning agent when rinsing the tooth. The best thing you can do, if possible, is to place the tooth back in its socket, then see your dentist IMMEDIATELY!

A tooth that has been put back into its socket can be stabilized with a splint. Your dentist will also check for any other facial or dental injuries.

If you cannot return the tooth to its socket, you must keep it moist. Saving the tooth is easier if the tooth is kept moist until you see your dentist. There are commercial solutions you can use available at your local drug store. Alternatively, you can do one of the following:

• Place the tooth in a glass of milk,

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• Place the tooth in a glass of water with a pinch of salt, or

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• Keep the tooth in your mouth between your gum and your cheek.

Again, you should see your dentist immediately!

A tooth that was not returned to its socket will be examined by the dentist to determine if it is intact. The tooth will be cleaned and placed back into the socket. It may need to be stabilized with a splint for some period of time. Depending on the stage of root development, root canal treatment may be started.

The length of time the tooth was out of the mouth and the way it was stored before reaching the dentist's office will impact the type of treatment. You may also be asked to check with your physician to determine if your Tetanus booster is up-to-date.