Welcome to our dental health blog, where we provide expert advice on handling dental emergencies, including what to do when a tooth is knocked out, using guidelines from the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT).
Introduction
Having a tooth knocked out—also known as tooth avulsion—can be a distressing experience, whether it happens during a sports game, an accident, or a simple fall. While it may seem like the tooth is lost forever, quick and proper action can make all the difference in saving the tooth. According to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT), a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of survival if reimplanted within 30 minutes to one hour of the injury.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps you should take immediately after a tooth is knocked out, how to preserve the tooth, and when to seek emergency dental care to increase the chances of saving your smile.
Why Quick Action Matters
When a tooth is knocked out, the blood supply to the tooth is severed, and the delicate cells on the root of the tooth start to die. The sooner the tooth is reinserted into the socket, the better the chance that these cells will survive, allowing the tooth to reattach to the bone. According to the IADT, immediate reimplantation is the key to saving the tooth and ensuring its long-term health.
If handled correctly and quickly, a knocked-out tooth can be successfully reimplanted and function normally for years.
What to Do When a Tooth Is Knocked Out
If you or someone else has a tooth knocked out, it’s important to act fast. Here are the steps recommended by the IADT to increase the likelihood of saving the tooth:
1. Find the Tooth and Handle It Carefully
The first thing you should do is locate the knocked-out tooth. When handling the tooth, be very careful not to touch the root (the part that was in the gum). The root contains delicate cells that are crucial for successful reimplantation. Instead, pick the tooth up by the crown (the part that’s normally visible in your mouth).
Do Not Scrub the Tooth: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with saline solution or milk. Do not scrub the tooth, use soap, or dry it off, as this can damage the cells on the root.
2. Try to Reinsert the Tooth
If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket. The IADT advises reimplanting the tooth within 30 minutes for the best chance of success. Once the tooth is back in the socket, hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze.
Tip: If you’re unsure of how to position the tooth, look at the other teeth for guidance. The tooth should sit naturally in the socket, but don’t force it.
3. Keep the Tooth Moist if You Can’t Reinsert It
If you’re unable to reinsert the tooth, it’s essential to keep the tooth moist to prevent the root cells from drying out. The best options for storing the tooth are:
- Milk: Place the tooth in a small container of milk. Milk helps maintain the correct cell environment for the root.
- Saline Solution: If milk isn’t available, saline solution (such as the type used for contact lenses) is another good option.
- Inside the Mouth: As a last resort, you can store the tooth inside your cheek. However, this should only be done if the person is conscious and able to avoid swallowing the tooth.
- Do Not Store in Water: Avoid placing the tooth in water, as this can damage the root cells.
4. Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
After you’ve stored the tooth, it’s important to get to a dentist or emergency dental clinic as soon as possible. According to the IADT, teeth that are reimplanted within one hour of being knocked out have the highest chance of survival. Call your dentist or visit an emergency dental service to let them know you’re on your way, and explain that a tooth has been knocked out.
What to Expect at the Dentist
Once you arrive at the dentist, they will assess the situation and likely take the following steps:
1. Reimplanting the Tooth
If the tooth has not yet been reinserted, the dentist will clean it and place it back into the socket. They may use splinting, a technique where the tooth is temporarily held in place using a soft wire or special dental material attached to the adjacent teeth. This helps stabilise the tooth while it heals and reattaches to the bone.
2. X-Rays
The dentist will take X-rays to ensure the tooth is properly positioned and to check for any additional damage, such as fractures to the jaw or other teeth.
3. Follow-Up Care
After the tooth is reimplanted, follow-up care is crucial to ensure successful healing. The dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the tooth during the healing process. You may need to:
- Avoid chewing on the reimplanted tooth.
- Follow a soft diet for the first week.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress.
In some cases, root canal treatment may be necessary in the weeks following the reimplantation to ensure the tooth remains healthy.
What If the Tooth Can’t Be Saved?
If the tooth cannot be reimplanted or if too much time has passed, your dentist will discuss other tooth replacement options, such as:
- Dental Implants: A dental implant is a long-term solution that involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone to support a crown, mimicking the look and function of a natural tooth.
- Bridges: A dental bridge can fill the gap left by the missing tooth, using the adjacent teeth for support.
- Partial Dentures: Removable partial dentures are another option for replacing a missing tooth.
Tips for Preventing Tooth Knockouts
While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of a knocked-out tooth, especially during physical activities:
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you or your child plays contact sports (such as football, rugby, or hockey), wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect the teeth from impact.
- Use Seat Belts and Helmets: In car accidents or when riding bicycles, seat belts and helmets help prevent injuries to the face and mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a baby tooth be reimplanted if it’s knocked out?
A: No, baby teeth should not be reimplanted. If a baby tooth is knocked out, it’s best to contact your child’s dentist to determine the best course of action. Reimplanting a baby tooth could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Q2: How long can a tooth survive out of the mouth?
A: The tooth’s survival depends on how quickly it’s reinserted and how it’s handled. Teeth reimplanted within 30-60 minutes of being knocked out have the best chance of survival. Storing the tooth in a suitable medium, such as milk, helps extend its viability.
Q3: Will a knocked-out tooth always need a root canal?
A: Not all knocked-out teeth require a root canal, but in many cases, the tooth’s pulp (the nerve tissue inside the tooth) may be damaged during the trauma, requiring root canal treatment to prevent infection. Your dentist will assess the tooth and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
A knocked-out tooth doesn’t have to be a permanent loss. By acting quickly and following the steps outlined by the IADT, you can greatly increase the chances of saving the tooth. Whether it’s reimplanting the tooth yourself or keeping it moist while you seek emergency care, these steps are critical in ensuring the best possible outcome. Remember, time is of the essence, so if you or someone else experiences a knocked-out tooth, act fast and get to a dentist as soon as possible.
Next Steps
If you’ve recently experienced a dental emergency, or if you want to learn more about how to handle dental trauma, schedule a consultation with your dentist. Being prepared for dental emergencies can make all the difference in saving a tooth.
