Your tooth has been knocked out. Whether it can be saved depends on what you do in the next few minutes. Here is the immediate steps — and why speed matters more than anything else.
Act Quickly — Time Is Critical
When a tooth is knocked out, the cells on the root surface begin to die within minutes. The faster you act, the better your chance of saving the tooth. Ideally, reimplantation should happen within 30 minutes. Beyond two hours, the chance of success drops dramatically.
Do not panic. Take a breath and follow these steps straight away.
Handle the Tooth Carefully
Pick up the tooth by the crown — the part you see in your mouth — not the root. Touching or scraping the root can damage the delicate cells that help the tooth reattach to your bone. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Avoid scrubbing it or using tap water for more than a second or two.
If possible, place the tooth back into its socket immediately. Gently push it into position and hold it there by biting down softly on a clean cloth or handkerchief.
Keep the Tooth Moist
If you cannot put the tooth back in the socket, it must stay moist. The worst thing you can do is let it dry out. Place it in a small container of milk, saline solution, or your own saliva. Some people carry special tooth preservation kits in their sports bags for this reason.
Never store a knocked-out tooth in water. Plain water damages the root surface cells and reduces the chance of successful reimplantation.
Get to a Dentist Immediately
Phone your dentist or the nearest dental clinic while you are on your way. Explain that you have had a tooth knocked out and are coming in. They can prepare for your arrival and treat you as a genuine emergency.
If it is out of hours, call the practice anyway and listen for the emergency contact details. The NHS 111 service can also direct you to an emergency dentist if needed.
What the Dentist Will Do
Your dentist will assess whether the tooth can be reimplanted. They will clean the socket and the tooth, then place it back in position. A splint is usually used to hold it stable while it heals. You may need a root canal treatment in the weeks that follow.
The outcome depends on how quickly you act and how well you preserved the tooth. Reimplantation is not always successful, but it is absolutely worth trying.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice