Knocked-Out Teeth

More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year in children and adults. With proper emergency action, a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket can be successfully replanted and last for years. It's important to see a dentist as soon as possible after the tooth is knocked out. Quick action will increase the likelihood of saving the tooth.

Saving a Knocked-Out Tooth

• If a tooth is knocked -out , make sure it is a permanent tooth ( primary teeth should not be replanted)
• Keep the patient calm.
• Find the tooth and Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface or the white part ) . Avoid touching the root.
• If dirty, gently rinse tooth with water(10 seconds) under cold running water .
• Do not use soap or chemicals.
• Do not scrub the tooth.
• Do not dry the tooth.
• Do not wrap it in a tissue or cloth.
• The sooner the tooth is replaced, the greater the likelihood it will survive. Try to encourage the patient /parent to replant the tooth . To reinsert, carefully push the tooth into the socket with fingers, or position above the socket and close mouth slowly. Hold the tooth in place with fingers or by gently biting down on a handkerchief to hold it in position
• If this is not possible , place the tooth in a suitable storage medium
• A glass of milk
• A special storage media for knocked- out teeth if available ( Hanks balanced storage medium or saline)
• The tooth can also be transported in the mouth , keeping it between the molars and the inside of the cheek.
• If the patient is very young , he /she could swallow the tooth – therefore it is advisable to get the patient to spit in a container and place the tooth in it .
• Avoid storage in water, because the root surface cells do not tolerate water for long periods of time.
• See the nearest available dentist within 30 minutes.