Here's What to Do If You Knock Out A Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is more common than you might think, as more than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year. The good news is that your tooth may be salvageable if you act fast. 

See the family dental specialists at SuperTooth™, with offices in Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Germantown, Maryland, as soon as possible after experiencing a knocked-out tooth. 

From how to safely handle the tooth to why milk suddenly becomes very important, here’s exactly what to do if you or a loved one knocks out a permanent tooth.

Risk factors for a knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency, often caused by sudden force or trauma to the mouth. Teeth in the front of your mouth are most at risk. While anyone can experience a knocked-out tooth, kids ages 7-11 appear to have the highest risk. You can see a gap in their mouth where a tooth used to be, as well as pain and bleeding.

Common causes of a knocked-out tooth include:

• Falls
• Bike or skateboard accidents
• Sports injuries, especially during contact sports
• Car accidents
• Collisions with other people or a hard object
• Assaults

You might knock out a tooth by running into something at full force or being hit in the mouth with something hard, such as a baseball.

What should I do after knocking out a tooth?

Follow these simple steps if you, a friend, or a family member knocks out a permanent tooth:

1. Stay calm

It’s helpful to stay calm during any dental emergency, especially if you experience a knocked-out tooth. 

1. Save the tooth when possible

Your SuperTooth dentist may be able to save a knocked-out permanent tooth after placing it back in its socket. So, if you still have the tooth, save it and bring it to your dentist. If a child knocks out a baby tooth, you don’t need to save it because a permanent tooth will eventually erupt in its place.

1. Avoid touching a knocked-out tooth’s root

When handling a knocked-out tooth, avoid touching the root (bottom of the tooth). Pick it up by the crown (white chewing surface) instead.

1. Keep the knocked-out tooth moist

It’s essential to keep a knocked-out tooth moist to give it the best chance of surviving and being successfully reinserted into its original socket. You can preserve the tooth by inserting it into its empty socket, placing it in milk or saliva, or storing it between your gums and cheek or under your tongue to prevent it from drying out. 

1. Head to your dental office ASAP

Knocked-out teeth treated within 30-60 minutes have the best chance of surviving, so it’s critical to head to the SuperTooth dental office right away. Our skilled team can care for you or your loved one immediately if they have a knocked-out tooth or another dental emergency. 

What to expect during treatment for a knocked-out tooth

Your SuperTooth dentist ensures your tooth and socket are clean and your tooth is positioned correctly in its socket. They place a splint on the affected tooth to anchor it to the surrounding teeth. If the injured tooth becomes infected while it heals, you might need a root canal. 

It’s helpful to consume liquids or soft foods as directed by your SuperTooth dental team during the healing process. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash two times daily or as instructed. Avoid contact sports until the tooth heals.

If it’s not possible to save a knocked-out tooth, SuperTooth offers bridges and dental implants to fill in the empty gap with an artificial tooth. 

Visit our dental experts routinely to experience superior holistic dental care. Contact us at SuperTooth for an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. You can also walk in during a dental emergency.