Knocking out a permanent tooth can be alarming, but acting quickly can make a significant difference in whether the tooth can be saved. One question many people ask after this type of dental emergency is whether they should try to put the tooth back into its socket themselves. The answer is yes – in some cases, gently reinserting a permanent tooth before reaching the dentist can improve the chances of saving it. However, it’s important to know the proper steps to avoid causing further damage.
Handle the Tooth with Care
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown, which is the part you normally see above the gums. Avoid touching the root, as it contains delicate cells that are essential for successful reattachment.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or clean water for a few seconds. Do not scrub the tooth, use soap, or dry it with a towel, as doing so can damage the living tissue on the root surface.
Can You Reinsert It Yourself?
If you’re conscious, able to do so safely, and the tooth is a permanent tooth, you may gently place it back into the empty socket. Make sure the tooth is facing the correct direction, then carefully push it into place using light pressure. Once it’s seated, gently bite down on a clean piece of gauze or a soft cloth to help keep it stable while you travel to the dentist.
Do not force the tooth into the socket if it doesn’t slide in easily. If you’re unable to reinsert it, don’t keep trying, as excessive force could damage the tooth or surrounding tissues.
If Reinsertion Isn’t Possible
If you can’t place the tooth back into its socket, the next best option is to keep it moist. Store it in a container of milk or a tooth preservation solution if one is available. If neither option is accessible, you may hold the tooth inside your cheek, provided there is no risk of swallowing it. Avoid storing the tooth in plain water for an extended period, as this can reduce the likelihood of successful reimplantation.
Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
Whether you successfully reinsert the tooth or not, you should contact your dentist or an emergency dental office immediately. A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency, and treatment is most successful when it begins within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury.
It’s also important to remember that these instructions apply only to permanent teeth. If a child knocks out a baby tooth, do not attempt to place it back into the socket, as doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Reinserting a knocked-out permanent tooth yourself can sometimes improve the chances of saving it, but only if it’s done carefully and followed by immediate professional treatment. Acting quickly, handling the tooth properly, and seeing your dentist right away offer the best opportunity to preserve your natural smile.
About the Practice
Are you the unfortunate victim of a dental emergency? At Dental Associates of Delaware, we have same-day emergency appointments available so that we can see you and take care of you as soon as possible. Give us a call as quickly as you can and we’ll provide first-aid tips over the phone, address your pain when you get here, and review proposed treatment plans with you before proceeding with your care. Don’t delay if you’re hurting! Book online or call one of our 6 convenient locations across Delaware.