The American Association of Endodontists estimates that over five million children and adults knock out teeth every year, and this can be an incredibly frustrating situation for many people. A dislodged tooth is at great risk of loss, and it must be treated promptly by a qualified oral health professional. Here’s why it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to reimplant a dislodged tooth on your own and how your dentist may be able to save it.
Can I Reimplant My Tooth on My Own?
It is possible for a knocked-out tooth to reintegrate with the gum and jawbone tissue and continue functioning normally if it is placed back in its socket, but this is quite unlikely to happen without the help of a trained dentist. It’s incredibly difficult to position a dislodged tooth in exactly the right way for successful reimplantation and keep it stable throughout the healing process without the proper dental skills and equipment. A knocked-out tooth’s chances of being saved will begin to drop after thirty minutes, so it’s best to call your dentist immediately if this happens.
What Should I Do When My Tooth Is Knocked Out?
Begin by locating and securing the dislodged tooth. Handle it only by the crown portion since touching the exposed root can damage the vulnerable and shocked tissues therein. If the tooth is dirty, you can clean it by gently swishing it about in sanitary lukewarm water without any cleaning agents like soap. Then, place the tooth in a clean container with milk or saliva to keep it moist and nourished for the trip to your dentist’s office. When the tooth is safe for the time being, contact your dentist to explain the situation and let them know you are coming.
If a clean container is not available, you can gently place the dislodged tooth back into its socket or in the lip for transport to the dentist’s office. Alternately, you can find tooth preservation kits that can keep dislodged teeth in viable condition for up to twenty-four hours at your local pharmacy, so you might want to stock up on them if you or anyone in your family plays sports.
At your dentist’s office, your oral health professional will assess the damage and determine the best way to address the problem. While it’s quite possible for a tooth to be saved if it can be treated in time, a tooth that cannot be reimplanted will need to be replaced.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Sikes earned his dental degree at the Baylor College of Dentistry and stays abreast of the latest developments in his field by participating in postgraduate coursework. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Mt. Pleasant offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you have knocked out a tooth, contact his front desk at (903) 572-9720. For non-emergency inquiries, please reach out to the staff online.