Blog Highlights

• In many cases, knocked out teeth can easily be saved
• There are several things you need to do in order to save a knocked out tooth 
• If you can get to the dentist within 30 minutes, there is a higher chance of saving the tooth

Knocked out teeth can be painful and time is truly of the essence. If the tooth is clean, you should place it back in its socket and seek professional dental help as soon as possible. Unless knocked out teeth are immediately placed back in their sockets, they have a very small chance of survival. In many cases, knocked out teeth can easily be saved if you follow a few easy steps.

A knocked out tooth that has been saved will likely need a root canal. If the tooth can’t be saved, there are several options to replace the tooth, such as implants and bridges. If you happen to find yourself with a knocked out tooth in Orem, Utah, take advantage of our emergency dentistry services.

Over five million teeth are knocked out each year. If it happens due to an accident or injury, it’s likely that you can save the tooth. Prompt and professional care can save the tooth and make sure it’s replanted successfully. Replanted teeth can easily last for several years.

Steps to Save your Knocked Out Tooth

There are several things you need to do in order to save a knocked out tooth and timing is everything. Within 30 minutes of the tooth being knocked out, you should seek help at a dental office that provides emergency dentistry services. In order to prepare the tooth for transportation to the dental office, first locate the tooth and then pick it up carefully by the crown, not the root.

Once you have the tooth, use water to gently rinse off any dirt and debris that might be contaminating the tooth. Do not scrub the tooth or use chemicals or soap to clean the tooth. After you’ve cleaned it, it might be tempting to wrap it up nice and neat in a piece of cloth or tissue – don’t. Instead, put the tooth back into its socket. Carefully push the tooth back into the socket or position it above the socket and gently bite down to push the tooth back into place.

It’s important that the tooth stays moist at all times. You can accomplish this by keeping it in your mouth as described above. However, if you can’t for some reason place it back in the socket, another option is to put it in milk or in your mouth tucked between your gums and cheek.

If you can get to the dentist within 30 minutes, there is a higher chance of saving the tooth. Even so, some teeth that have been outside of their socket for longer than 30 minutes may still be saved.

Having a knocked out tooth can be painful and scary. Fortunately, in most cases the tooth can be saved if properly cared for on the way to the dentist. Don’t waste any time. If you have a knocked out tooth, visit our emergency dentistry professionals in our Orem, Utah office. We are ready and waiting to replant your knocked out teeth.