Accidents happen, and sometimes an accident results in a tooth being knocked out. This is a dental emergency. You only have between 30 and 60 minutes to save the tooth/teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed). Speed is of the essence because the tissues of the tooth are damaged and will require a professional to successfully save it.
How to Improve Your Odds of Saving Your Tooth
- Locate the tooth/teeth – including any fragments
- DO NOT touch the root of the tooth if at all possible – handle the tooth by the top/sides that are ordinarily visible – not the area that is hidden under the gumline
- If the tooth/teeth is covered in sand or dirt, you may rinse them off using clean, lukewarm water or whole milk – never use soap or chemicals like rubbing alcohol
- DO NOT dry the tooth/teeth using a cloth, or any other method – it will likely cause more damage
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water – this will help slow the bleeding and make it easier to reinsert the missing tooth into the socket
- Keep the tooth moist until you reach your dentist or endodontist either by:
- a) Placing the tooth/teeth back in the socket (cover with gauze to make it easier to hold the tooth/teeth in place)
- b) Placing the tooth/teeth inside your cheek next to your gum (make sure to keep them moist with saliva)
- c) Placing the tooth/teeth in whole milk (recommended for children and fragments – to prevent accidental swallowing)
Pain Management
Use a sterile gauze or clean cloth to control the bleeding and a cold compress or ice pack on the side of the face where the tooth fell out. Over the counter pain medication can be used according to directions.
Head to Your 24-Hour Emergency Dentist in Naperville
Call our 24-hour emergency dentist at Naperville Commons Dental immediately and we will provide you with further instructions as you head to the office for emergency care. Remember, time is of the essence in these types of emergencies.
