A knocked-out or broken tooth needs quick attention. The first few minutes can affect what treatment may be possible, especially when a permanent tooth has been completely knocked out. Knowing what to do can help protect the tooth and the injured area until dental care is available. A dentist in Edmonton can assess the injury and determine the next step.
A broken tooth may have a small chip, or a large piece may be missing. A knocked-out tooth is more serious because the whole tooth has come out. Stay calm, hold the tooth carefully, and see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
If a permanent tooth has been completely knocked out, try to find it quickly. Hold the tooth by the crown, which is the part normally visible in the mouth. Avoid touching the root because it may contain delicate tissue.
Rinse the tooth gently with clean water if it is dirty. Do not scrub it, scrape it, or use soap.
If possible, carefully place the tooth back into its socket. If this cannot be done safely, keep the tooth moist in milk or another suitable liquid recommended for dental emergencies.
Knocked Out Tooth: What to Do Next
Knowing what to do for a knocked-out tooth can help prevent common mistakes during an emergency.
Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth as soon as possible.
- Hold it by the crown, not the root.
- Rinse it gently if it is dirty.
- Try to place it back into the socket if it can be done safely.
- If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk.
- Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.
Do not wrap the tooth in tissue or let it dry out. Do not scrub the root or try to remove attached tissue.
What to Do for a Broken Tooth
A broken tooth should also be checked, even if the damage does not seem severe. Save any broken pieces if you can find them and take them to the dental appointment.
Rinse the mouth gently with clean water. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth. A cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek may help reduce swelling.
Avoid chewing on the injured side until the tooth has been examined. A dentist in Edmonton can check how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the inner part of the tooth has been affected.
What Should Be Avoided After a Tooth Injury?
Some actions can make the situation worse or cause additional damage. Avoid:
- Touching the root of a knocked-out tooth
- Scrubbing or brushing the injured tooth
- Using glue to repair a broken tooth
- Placing aspirin directly on the gums or tooth
- Chewing hard foods near the injured area
- Delaying dental care when the injury is severe
The safest approach is to protect the area and arrange dental care promptly.
What Happens During the Dental Visit?
The injured tooth and surrounding mouth tissues will be examined to understand the extent of the damage. X-rays may be needed to check the tooth, root, jawbone, or nearby teeth.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. A chipped tooth may need a simple repair, while a deeper break may require more involved treatment. A completely knocked-out permanent tooth may have different treatment options depending on how quickly care is received and the condition of the tooth.
When Is a Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth an Emergency?
A tooth injury should receive urgent dental attention when there is:
- A completely knocked-out permanent tooth
- Heavy or ongoing bleeding
- Severe tooth pain
- Significant swelling
- A deep break with the inner tooth exposed
- A serious injury to the mouth or jaw
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
A dentist in Edmonton can help determine how urgently the injury needs treatment and what care may be appropriate.
How Can the Mouth Be Protected Until Care Is Available?
Keep the injured area as clean as possible and avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth. Soft foods may be easier to manage if eating is necessary before the dental visit.
For a knocked-out tooth, keeping the tooth moist is important. For a broken tooth, saving the broken piece and avoiding further pressure on the damaged area can help until the tooth is assessed.
Get Dental Care After a Tooth Injury!
A knocked-out or broken tooth can be stressful, but taking the right steps can help protect the injured area while waiting for care. Prompt dental assessment can also help determine the most suitable treatment.
Contact Belle Rive Dental Clinic for prompt help after a tooth injury, discuss the available treatment options, and book your appointment today.
FAQs
Can a knocked-out permanent tooth be saved?
In some cases, a permanent tooth may be repositioned and treated after being knocked out. The chances can depend on how quickly care is received and how the tooth was handled after the injury.
Should a knocked-out tooth be put back in the socket?
If it is a permanent tooth and it can be placed back safely, this may be recommended. Handle the tooth only by the crown and avoid touching the root.
What should be done if a broken tooth is bleeding?
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding continues or is heavy, seek urgent dental care.
Can a broken tooth heal on its own?
A broken tooth cannot regrow the missing part. Dental treatment may be needed to protect the tooth and restore its function, depending on the extent of the damage.
