Can You Put a Knocked-Out Tooth Back in Its Socket?

If you have a tooth knocked out, don’t panic! Not all dislodged teeth are gone for good. If you act fast, you might be able to save your tooth. Besides calling your dentist, it’s important to put your tooth back in its socket. Here’s how to treat the issue at home until you see your emergency dentist.

Steps to Take for a Knocked-Out Tooth

Losing a tooth can be traumatic, but it’s best to remain calm and assess the situation. Follow these 4 steps to increase the likelihood of saving your tooth:

1. Find and Clean Your Tooth: hold your tooth by the crown and rinse it with cool water. Do not touch the root or you can damage the cells necessary for its survival. Don’t scrub it or use any cleaners. Do not dry your tooth because it must be kept moist.
2. Reinsert Your Tooth: While holding your tooth by the crown, carefully insert it back into its socket and bite on a piece of gauze to hold it in place.
3. Preserve Your Tooth: If you’re not successful in getting your tooth back in place, put it in a cup of milk to preserve it. Avoid using tap water because it can harm the root cells.
4. Contact Your Emergency Dentist: Whether you successfully reinserted your tooth or not, you need to contact your emergency dentist right away. The survival of your tooth requires getting dental attention within the next 30 minutes.

Treating Knocked-Out Teeth

Your emergency dentist will get you into the office quickly and examine your mouth. They’ll create a personalized treatment plan to rehabilitate your smile, which may include:

• Dental Splint: If your tooth has been placed back into its socket, your dentist can apply a temporary dental splint to hold it in place. With the support of the adjacent teeth, it can allow the tissues and ligaments to re-adhere to your tooth.
• Tooth Replacement: If your tooth can’t be saved, your dentist will discuss your replacement options, like a dental implant.

Preventing Knocked-Out Teeth

Accidents can happen with no warning, but you can lower your risk of a knocked-out tooth by wearing an athletic mouthguard if you play sports. It will provide a protective barrier for your teeth and oral structures in case there’s trauma to your mouth. It’s best to break any bad habits that may dislodge a tooth, like using your teeth in place of scissors or other tools.

If the unexpected should happen, don’t wait. Contact your emergency dentist immediately.

About Dr. John T. Michaels

Dr. Michaels earned his dental degree from the Ohio State University Dental School and has regularly continued his education in advanced services, including endodontics, periodontics, and emergency dentistry. He is an award-winning dentist and a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Society. Request an appointment through his website or call (781) 805-3476.