{"id":128,"date":"2021-07-02T06:33:58","date_gmt":"2021-07-02T06:33:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sterlingdentalclinic.com\/blog\/?p=128"},"modified":"2025-01-20T11:23:39","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T05:53:39","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-tooth-is-knocked-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sterlingdentalclinic.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-your-tooth-is-knocked-out\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do if Your Tooth is Knocked Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Getting a permanent tooth knocked out is a dental\nemergency and one that is not uncommon. More than 5 million teeth are knocked\nout every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this happens, your tooth needs immediate\nattention. Do not wait until morning or the next day to deal with it. In fact,\nthe longer you wait, the less likely it is that your dentist will be able to\nreattach your tooth. Your best bet is to contact a dentist with experience\nhandling dental emergencies, such as the team of dentists at Sterling Dental\nClinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even before reaching our office, you must follow\nspecific steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rescue your tooth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t leave your tooth lying around. Pick it up by\nthe crown (the place where you chew) and never the root (the place where it\nattaches to your gum). Touching the root can damage it, making it more\ndifficult for the dentist to reattach the tooth successfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rinse your tooth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your tooth is knocked out and lands on the\nground, rinse it, so it\u2019s free of dirt and debris. Only use water, not soap.\nDon\u2019t dry it or rub it with a washcloth or towel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place the tooth back in the socket, if possible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If possible, gently place the knocked-out tooth\nback in its rightful place. But only do this if it goes back quickly. Don\u2019t\nforce it into the socket. Hold the tooth in place by biting down on it gently\nor holding it in place with your fingers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep your tooth moist until you get to the dentist<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t place your tooth back in its socket,\nyou need to keep the tooth moist until you get to the dentist. You can do this\nby holding it between your cheek and gum or placing it in a cup of milk if you\nhave it in your refrigerator. If milk is not available, you can also keep it\nmoist with saliva. Don\u2019t use tap water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to avoid getting your tooth knocked out<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are simple precautions you can take to reduce\nyour risk of getting your tooth knocked out, chipped, or fractured. Aside from\nwalking away from a fight, tips for preserving your teeth and smile include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n