If you knock out one of your teeth, you may not know what to do. After all, such a situation isn’t (hopefully) something that happens every day. For instance, you might wonder if it’s possible to put the knocked-out tooth back in its socket. However, you’d want some assurance before trying something like that. That said, your Los Angeles dentist is here to tell you it’d be fine to try. To prove it, here’s a summary of safe steps to take when handling a knocked-out tooth.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth
You really can put the affected tooth back in its socket. Still, there’s a proper way to go about it — make sure you follow the steps below:
Handle the Tooth Gently
Once you’ve found the tooth, gently pick it up by the crown — its top-most part. That way, you can avoid damaging its roots. Otherwise, you might reduce your chances of saving the tooth.
If the tooth has dirt or debris, rinse it with water carefully. Don’t use soap during this process, as the chemical could harm the pearly white. Also, ensure not to dry or scrub the tooth; that means not wrapping it in tissue or paper towels.
Put It Back in Its Socket
From here, you can try to put the tooth in its original socket. Doing so would also keep it moist.
When inserting the tooth, carefully use your fingers to push it in. You could then hold it in place by carefully biting down. If that doesn’t work for you, though, you could keep using your fingers.
Keep the Tooth Moist
If you can’t get the tooth back in its socket, give it an alternate source of moisture. You could, for example, put it in an emergency preservation kit or a glass of milk. Placing the tooth in your mouth beside your cheeks is also okay if all else fails.
Whatever you do, though, don’t place the tooth in water.
How Your Dentist Will Address the Issue
Try to see your dentist within thirty minutes of losing your tooth. After you’ve arrived at their practice, they can check to see if there’s any chance of saving it. If it appears viable, they’ll reimplant it in its socket so it can reintegrate with the bone.
Your dentist will offer a replacement restoration if the tooth can’t be saved. In particular, they’ll suggest a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
In the end, you can put a tooth back in its socket. Remember, though, to visit your dentist for a more permanent solution!
About the Practice
Rancho Park Dental Group is based in Los Angeles, CA. As led by Drs. Nicole Sassounian and Albert Silvera, our practice strives to meet all of its patients’ dental needs. To that end, we perform various preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, including emergency procedures. Our office also offers sedation services upon request. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (310)-575-0886.