What to do when you knock out a tooth?

Drs. Nicolas & Asp20 Aug 2024

Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and knocked-out teeth are a common issue, especially among active adults and children involved in sports or playground activities. A knocked-out tooth can be a frightening experience. However, by acting quickly and taking the right steps, you can significantly increase the chances of saving your tooth.

Here’s a breakdown of dos and don’ts from our general and pediatric dentists.

What to do:

Take a deep breath and remain calm. Time is critical, but rushing can lead to mistakes.

Find the tooth and handle it by the crown (the white chewing part). Do not touch the root.
If the tooth is soiled, gently rinse it with clean, cold water, but do not scrub it.
If you can, gently push it back into its socket, root first. Bite down gently on a clean cloth or gauze to hold the tooth in place. Visit your dentist as soon as possible.
If it’s your child’s permanent tooth, put it in a clean container with milk or saliva (have your child spit into a food container) and bring it to the dentist right away. If it’s a baby tooth, do not put it back in.
If you cannot put the tooth back in its socket, you need to keep it moist to maximize the chances of successful reattachment by your dentist. Here are your options:

Submerge your tooth in milk and keep it covered.
Place the tooth between your cheek and gums.
If milk isn't available, use a sterile physiological saline solution (available at pharmacies or first aid kits).
Spit into a clean food container. Submerge your tooth into saliva.

If your tooth is broken, retrieve any fragments, and preserve it with milk, saliva, or saline solution.
Whether or not you were able to reinsert the tooth, seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. See your dentist or endodontist within 30 to 60 minutes for the best outcome.

What not to do:

Avoid touching the root, as this can damage the delicate ligament that attaches the tooth to the jawbone.
If the tooth doesn't fit comfortably back into the socket, don't force it. This could cause further damage.
Do not reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth – it could damage the permanent tooth growing underneath. If you’re not sure whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, put it in milk or saliva and bring it to the dentist right away.
Do not wrap the tooth in a tissue or dry cloth, as this can dry out the root.
Do not use soap or harsh chemicals to clean the tooth.
Do not delay dental care. Seeking professional help promptly increases your chance of saving your tooth.

What happens at the dentist?

The dentist will carefully assess the injured area, taking X-rays if necessary, to understand the extent of the damage. The area will be cleaned to prevent infection.

If the tooth was reinserted at home, the dentist will verify its correct position and secure it with a splint. For those who brought their tooth, the dentist will carefully reinsert it into its socket, and then proceed to splinting.

A splint is used to stabilize the injured tooth and promote healing. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor healing progress and adjust the splint as needed.

How long does splinting last?

The duration of splinting varies significantly, typically ranging from two to six weeks. However, the exact timeframe will depend on factors such as the severity of the injury, the specific teeth involved, and the patient's overall oral health. More severe trauma may require longer splinting periods. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor healing and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

What happens with knocked-out baby teeth?

When a baby tooth is knocked out, pediatric dentists usually don't reinsert it to protect the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, they may recommend a space maintainer to preserve the gap and prevent future dental problems such as misalignment and crowding of the permanent teeth.

How to avoid knocked-out teeth when playing sports?

To prevent knocked-out teeth, especially for children involved in sports, consider wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard. This protective device can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries during activities that involve physical contact or potential falls. By investing in a mouthguard, you're safeguarding your teeth and ensuring a healthier smile.

If you or your family need urgent dental attention, please give Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers a call at 04 394 7777. Our clinics are conveniently located in Jumeirah, The Springs Souk, Marina Walk, and Uptown Mirdif.