Tooth Terror: Steps to Take if Your Tooth is Knocked Out

Having a dental emergency can be a harrowing experience, especially if you’ve had a tooth knocked out. Whether you were playing high-contact sports or had a nasty fall, the incident probably left you in pain and flustered. It can be hard to think logically in the heat of the moment to know what to do next. If you’ve lost a pearly white and are feeling anxious, keep reading to learn about 4 steps to take that can help you save your smile!

Step #1: Find the Missing Tooth

Depending on your circumstances, there’s a chance that your dentist can successfully put the tooth back in its socket, so you don’t have to invest in an artificial restoration. Try to locate it immediately but be cautious about how you handle it. You should only touch it on the crown (the chewing surface) so that the cells on the roots remain viable. Some pieces may still be in your mouth so be careful not to swallow them.

Step #2: Rinse It Gently

You’ll want to clear away any dirt or food particles from the tooth so gently rinse it with milk or tap water. Don’t use any additional cleansers or soaps or scrub it with a toothbrush. Abrasive chemicals and scouring can damage it to the point that it cannot be replaced.

Step #3: Store the Tooth

The safest place to store your pearly white is in your gums. You can try to gently return it to its socket and bite down on gauze or a moistened tea bag to help keep it in place. Be aware that if your pearly white has fractured, there may be jagged edges left behind and it may not be possible to reinsert it. If that’s the case, you can stow it in a Ziploc bag or small container with some of your saliva to preserve it until you can get to your emergency dentist.

Step #4: Call Your Dentist

Once your tooth is stored safely, you need to reach out to your emergency dentist. Timing is essential to save it, so they will want to get you in as soon as possible. Many providers offer same-day emergency appointments so that you do not have to wait for some much-needed relief. They may also provide additional care instructions over the phone so that you can properly care for yourself until you arrive at the scheduled time.

When you arrive, your dentist will examine your mouth and may take X-rays or other images to verify the extent of the harm done. Once you both decide on a treatment plan, they may provide a topical anesthetic or sedation to help you feel calm and comfortable.

Soon, you’ll be well on your way to having a perfectly repaired smile!

About the Practice

At Jacksonville Dental Excellence, patients benefit from a husband/wife dental duo that provides a full range of services under one roof, including emergency dentistry. They know how alarming it is to have a tooth knocked out and will schedule you for a same-day appointment if you’re in the middle of an urgent situation. Then they’ll assess your condition using state-of-the-art technology for an efficient and accurate diagnosis so they can offer a fully individualized solution. They’ll be able to repair the damage one way or another to give you back your beautiful grin. If you’re in the middle of an emergency and need help, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (904) 895-4536.