Dental emergencies can be hard to deal with, especially when a tooth is knocked out. Having some knowledge of the steps to take right away can mean the difference between saving and losing the tooth. If you ever do find yourself in a tooth injury emergency, you need to call emergency dentistry in Edmonton as soon as possible. Timing is important to minimize damage and pain. Staying prepared and keeping a level head by knowing what to do will give you peace of mind about the unexpected dental accident.
What Should You Do Right After a Tooth Gets Knocked Out?
The rapid response is important when someone knocks out a tooth. Here are the first 30 minutes to take action:
- Stay calm: Stressing out will just slow you down. After the effort:
- Find the tooth: Only hold the tooth by the crown (the part that was the chewing surface). You should not touch the root.
- Rinse: If dirty, rinse cooled water over the tooth, but do not scrub it. Be very careful to hold it only with the full tooth.
- Keep it wet: You cannot let a knocked-out tooth dry. What you do to store the tooth is essential.
How Can You Preserve a Knocked-Out Tooth?
If you want to save a knocked-out tooth, then you must store it properly. Here are a few ways:
| Method | Instructions |
| Reinsert immediately | If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket. Bite down lightly on gauze to keep it in place. |
| Milk storage | If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in a cup of milk. Milk helps maintain cell survival. |
| Saline solution | Saline or saltwater can also be used if milk is unavailable. |
| Inside the mouth | Keep it between your cheek and gums if no other options exist. Avoid swallowing. |
If you know how to preserve a knocked-out tooth, you can significantly increase the chances of your dentist being able to save it.
Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?
The answer is: it depends on how quickly you act.
- You’ll have the best chance of saving the tooth if you place it back in the mouth within 30 minutes.
- And even if it has been longer, you should still seek care at a dentist’s clinic nearby as soon as you can.
If you want a few more details, a few factors that could affect keeping the tooth are of the following: condition of the tooth, the health of your gums, and if it is stored properly.
What is the Best Way to Store a Knocked Out Tooth?
If immediate reinsertion isn’t possible, keeping the tooth in the right environment is key. Here’s a quick guide:
- Milk – Most preferred, keeps cells alive.
- Saline solution – A good alternative when milk isn’t available.
- Inside the mouth – Between the cheek and the gum, if you are alone.
- Avoid – Water, tissues, or other dry surfaces, as they can damage the tooth.
When Should You Seek Help for a Tooth Injury Emergency?
It is important to act as soon after an injury to a tooth occurs as possible. In the instance of a tooth being knocked out, do not wait to contact a dental clinic in Edmonton. Delaying contacting a dental clinic can result in infection, bone loss, or the tooth being lost.
How to Handle Pain and Bleeding After a Knocked-Out Tooth
- Manage bleeding – Gently press a piece of clean gauze over the injured area.
- Control swelling – Use an ice pack on the outside of the mouth or the cheek.
- Control pain – Use over-the-counter medications.
Keep in mind that these are temporary measures. You need to contact a dentist as fast as possible to preserve the tooth.
Avalon Dental: Your Partner After a Tooth Injury Emergency
If you have a knocked-out tooth, every second matters. Avalon Dental in Edmonton is here to assist you with your tooth injury emergency – in conjunction with medical help. The faster our team can efficiently provide services for your injured tooth, the greater the likelihood it has to survive.
Don’t wait! If you or someone else has a knocked-out tooth, come to Avalon Dental or call us right away. Your smile deserves the care and attention it needs quickly.