How to Save a Knocked Out Tooth

Did you know that more than five million people lose teeth due to sports injuries each year? If you find yourself in this situation, don’t fret, it might not be a lost cause. Here is what to do if you ever find yourself with a knocked out tooth. 

Causes of Knocked Out Teeth

A knocked out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, can happen due to a number of reasons that all include getting hit in the face. Most commonly, a tooth gets knocked out during contact sports. However, it can also happen in other types of accidents. Cleveland Clinic explains that it is common for kids and active adults to get hurt during any form of sports, especially contact sports. Unfortunately, most of these injuries happen involving the face, giving a strong connection between athletic injuries and dentistry. Sports-related dental accidents can range from chipping a tooth all the way to having a tooth lost.

Saving a Knocked Out Tooth

More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year, however, it doesn’t mean that tooth is lost forever. Knowing exactly what to do in the event you have a tooth knocked out could save your original smile. The American Association of Endodontists explains exactly what to do if you experience a knocked out tooth:

1. When you pick up your tooth after it’s knocked out, carefully pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface). Be careful to NOT touch the root of the tooth. 
2. If the tooth gets dirty, gently rinse it with ONLY water. Do not use any type of soap or chemicals. It is also important to not scrub the tooth or wrap it in a tissue or cloth to transport it to the dentist. 
3. Reposition the tooth in the socket immediately, if you’re able. Try to push the tooth back into its place immediately. Gently push it in with your diners by handling the crown, or place it above the socket and close your mouth slowly. Keep the tooth in place by holding it with your fingers or by gently biting down on it. 
4. Your tooth must stay moist at all times, either by going back in the socket or by putting it in your mouth next to your cheek, or even in milk. Don’t put your tooth in regular tap water as it can damage the root’s cells if left in it for extended periods of time. 
5. Act quickly and visit your dentist within 30 minutes. At Stonebrook Family Dental, we’re fully able to handle your dental emergency. We reserve openings in our schedule each day to accommodate dental emergencies just like this. If you’re not able to get to us within 30 minutes, the tooth can still be saved even if left outside the mouth for over an hour. However, we recommend coming in as soon as possible if you experience an injury. 

How to Prevent a Knocked Out Tooth

The best way to protect your smile from contact sports is by getting a custom-fit mouthguard at Stonebrook Family Dental. A mouthguard is a plastic piece that fits over your teeth to protect them from sustaining an injury that could harm your smile. It can prevent injuries to the teeth, mouth, cheeks, tongue, and even the jaw. Mouthguards help prevent over 200,000 oral injuries to the mouth year after year. 

Our dentist, Dr. Kevin Varley, can custom fit a mouthguard to your specific smile. When you buy a mouthguard at a drugstore, you’re not going to get the best fit for your mouth. This means you’re still going to be at a high risk for sustaining an injury during your activity. However, a custom-fit guard will properly line up over your teeth and fit your mouth correctly. This will reduce your risk of knocking out a tooth. 

Once you have a mouthguard made, it is important to bring it back to the dentist each time you come in for a cleaning and exam. During these appointments, we can make sure the guard is still in good condition and is offering you as much protection as possible. At these appointments, Dr. Varley can also provide you with further tips on how to care for your guard to give it the longest lifespan possible. 

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you have a dental emergency, call us while you’re on the way. However, if you just want to get fit for a mouthguard to protect your smile, call us for an appointment today: (303)-872-7907. We’re here to preserve your oral health and smile!