A knocked out tooth

If your tooth displaced by trauma or has been completely knocked out, it’s important to call us as soon as possible. There are times when a tooth can be re-implanted and saved if done promptly.

• If your tooth is knocked out completely, care should be taken to handle the tooth only by the crown (the part that normally above the gumline), not by the root.
• Clean the tooth in running water.
• You may be able to reimplant the tooth, but if you are unsure, place the tooth in milk and bring it with you to see us. Teeth that are reinserted into their socket within twenty minutes have the best chance of surviving.
• Cold packs (or even ice cubes placed either inside the mouth or above the injured tooth) can help to reduce pain and swelling.
• Do not store the tooth in water.
• The sooner we see you, the greater the chance of saving your tooth.

If you play sports, you are more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a protective mouthguard. The cost of a fractured tooth may be greater than the cost of a dentist diagnosed and designed professionally made mouthguard.