Table of Contents

• The Risks of a Knocked-Out Tooth
• Steps to Protect Your Smile
• 1. Find the Knocked-Out Tooth
• 2. Give It a Gentle Cleaning
• 3. Reinsert It If Possible
• 4. Keep It Moist
• 5. Reach Out to a Trusted Dentist
• Caring for a Knocked-Out Tooth After Treatment
• Restoration Options If You Can’t Save the Tooth
• Emergency Dental Care in Arden, NC

A knocked-out tooth can be a scary and painful experience, whether it happens during a sports game, a fall, or an unexpected accident. While you might be concerned about how this will impact your oral health, quick action can save the tooth and preserve your smile. A knocked-out tooth is a major emergency, and how you respond in the minutes and hours following the injury is crucial. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the exact steps you should take immediately after your tooth is knocked out, how to care for it, and what to do if preservation efforts aren’t enough to save the tooth. 

The Risks of a Knocked-Out Tooth

Losing any teeth poses a significant risk to your oral health, but the risk is even more significant when it occurs as the result of an injury. Some of the most significant risks of dealing with a knocked-out tooth include: 

• Infection
• Tooth Shifting
• Bone Loss
• Difficulty Chewing
• Long-Term Cosmetic Problems
• Chronic Pain
• Bite Changes

If you have a knocked-out tooth, it is essential to take proactive steps to restore it. While the loss of a single tooth might not seem like a significant loss, it can have long-term impacts on your smile and oral health. As soon as a tooth is knocked loose, it is important to take the next steps to preserve your tooth and smile. 

Steps to Protect Your Smile

1. Find the Knocked-Out Tooth

The first step in dealing with a knocked-out tooth is to locate the tooth. In many cases, when a tooth is dislodged, it will still be in your mouth. However, if it falls out of your mouth, try to find it as quickly as possible to begin the preservation process. Be very careful when picking it up and avoid touching the root. 

2. Give It a Gentle Cleaning

If your tooth fell out of your mouth and onto the ground, you may want to consider gently cleaning it. When you’re dealing with a dirty, dislodged tooth, gently rinse it with tap water or milk. While you may be tempted, refrain from scrubbing the tooth or using harsh chemicals, as this could do more harm than good. 

3. Reinsert It If Possible

While this may not always be possible, consider attempting to reinsert the dislodged tooth into its socket. If possible, place the tooth in its socket and close your mouth. This gentle pressure should push the tooth back into place. Do not force or shove it if you find the tooth struggling to return to its socket, as this can irritate already-inflamed oral tissue. 

4. Keep It Moist

If you can’t get the tooth back into the socket or you’re experiencing too much discomfort during the attempt to reinsert it, don’t try to force it. Instead, you’ll need to properly store the tooth to protect it. You can store it between your gums and cheek (although you must be careful not to swallow it) or in a container of milk or saline solution until you get to the dentist. 

5. Reach Out to a Trusted Dentist

Time is of the essence when you’re dealing with a knocked-out tooth. Reach out to your dental team immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. If it is after hours, you may need to find an overnight emergency dentist or visit your closest emergency room. The sooner you seek professional help, the more likely it is that reimplantation will be successful. 

Caring for a Knocked-Out Tooth After Treatment

After your dental team reinserts a knocked-out tooth, it is important that you take adequate care of this tooth. To ensure you’re properly caring for your tooth, make sure to do the following: 

• Do Not Touch the Splint: Your dentist will use a splint to reinsert and stabilize your tooth. Do not poke at or play with the splint, as this may compromise the integrity of your tooth while it is healing. 
• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing as normal, taking extra care when brushing around the dislodged tooth. You may also need to incorporate a chlorhexidine mouthwash to prevent post-procedure infection. 
• Stick to a Soft Food Diet: While healing, stick to a soft food diet of yogurts, soups, soft vegetables, and fruits. Follow this diet for approximately two weeks to prevent excessive pressure on the tooth and avoid hard or sticky foods, which may dislodge it.
• Attend Regular Checkups: Your dental team will schedule several checkups to ensure your tooth is healing properly. Make sure to attend all these appointments and bring up any concerns if you believe you’re experiencing complications. 

Restoration Options If You Can’t Save the Tooth

While your dental team will do everything in their power to save your tooth, not all knocked-out teeth can be preserved. In cases where a knocked-out tooth cannot be restored, several options are available to restore the appearance and function of your smile. Some of the most popular options include: 

• Partial Dentures: If you’ve knocked out several teeth and are dealing with a significant gap between your teeth, your dental team may recommend partial dentures. This dental prosthetic can help you fill a large gap in your smile and restore your appearance.
• Bridges: For dental patients who experience gaps in their smile but have otherwise strong teeth, a dental bridge may be a great option. This prosthetic attaches to the surrounding teeth and helps to fill in any gaps. 
• Implants: While this is the most expensive restoration option, it is also the most secure. Dental implants attach to a post, which is implanted in the jaw. This implant won’t budge throughout day-to-day activities and blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. 

Emergency Dental Care in Arden, NC

Losing a tooth can be incredibly distressing, but restoration is within reach with the support of an expert emergency dental team. If you knocked out a tooth and need the support of a dental team in the Arden, NC, area, turn to our team at Arden Family Dental for emergency care. We understand that time is of the essence, and we’re committed to providing quick, comprehensive, reliable dental care.

Don’t wait to treat a knocked-out tooth. Contact our team today and start the road to recovery.