Take These Steps Immediately if You've Knocked Out Your Tooth

Dental emergencies have the unfortunate habit of popping up when you least expect them, and knocked out teeth 一 also known as an avulsion or avulsed tooth 一 tend to be one of the most traumatic. Sports injuries often lead to knocked out teeth, but the reality is any blow to the face can knock out a tooth.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know what to do. The experts at 2K Dental in Parma, Cleveland, Cuyahoga Falls, and Akron, Ohio, specialize in emergency dentistry and may be able to save your tooth if you act quickly. Take these steps immediately if you’ve knocked out a tooth.

Step 1: Take a deep breath

Losing a tooth 一 whether it’s fully avulsed or only partially avulsed 一 is traumatic. However, it’s important to stay calm. Taking a deep breath can help shift your body out of flight-or-fight mode and into a calmer state.

If you’re helping a loved one with a knocked out tooth, remain calm and guide them through a few deep breathing exercises.

With a clear head, you can better focus on the next steps.

Step 2: Rinse your tooth

Carefully rinse off any dirt or debris from your tooth. Pick up your tooth and avoid touching the roots. Rinse the tooth in fresh, clean water.

Step 3: Keep the tooth moist

While you make your way to the dentist’s office, it’s important to keep your tooth moist. This helps prevent the roots from drying out. You can keep your tooth moist by:

• Replacing it in the socket (if possible)
• Storing it in your cheek pocket
• Placing it in a cup of milk
• Using a tooth preserver kit (found in a dental first aid kit)

If possible, keep your tooth in your mouth because your tooth is already used to the pH level of your mouth. Do not put your tooth in water, however, as that can make your tooth swell. 

Step 4: Call us right away

In some cases, we can splint knocked out teeth to help them reattach, but in order to boost your best chances of a successful reattachment, try to receive dental care within 30 minutes of your accident. Once you arrive, our compassionate and gentle team examines your injury and determines the next course of action. 

Depending on the prognosis, we may recommend splinting, but even if your tooth can’t be saved, we can explore your options, such as a bridge or dental implant, for restoring your smile. 

Time is of the essence, especially when it comes to a knocked out tooth, which is why we provide flexible scheduling throughout the day. You can trust the 2K Dental team when it comes to dental emergencies. Call the location closest to you and get the dental care you need when you need it the most.