Can You Put a Knocked-Out Tooth Back in Its Socket?

Dental emergencies are stressful and can happen when you least expect them to. While some can be handled at home, others will need immediate professional attention. A knocked-out tooth is one of the few real emergencies in dentistry. Luckily, taking quick action and following simple precautions can increase your chances of salvaging your tooth. That said, here’s what you should do if you ever knock out a tooth.   

What Should You Do If You Have a Knocked-Out Tooth?

While you wait to see your emergency dentist in Indianapolis, here’s what you should do to handle your situation:

Gently Handle the Tooth

Once you find the tooth, carefully pick it up by the crown (the visible top portion you see every day). It’s important to do so as you want to avoid damaging the roots. Otherwise, you can harm your chances of effectively putting the tooth back in its socket. If the tooth has dirt on it, you can gently rinse it with water to clean it. 

Put the Tooth Back in Its Socket

Teeth should not be out of the mouth for over an hour, which is why it’s crucial to keep them moist. The best way to accomplish that is by repositioning the tooth back into its original socket. You can hold the tooth in place by carefully biting down or simply using your fingers.

Keep the Tooth Moist

Some people may not be able to put the tooth back into its socket. Although that’s the best way to salvage your tooth, you can also try placing it in a glass of milk. However, if milk is unavailable, you can keep the tooth between the cheek and gums to preserve it until the dentist can replace it.

How Your Dentist Will Address the Issue

First, your dentist will flush out the socket with water. If the tooth was out of the mouth for a long time, a root canal may be necessary to ensure the tissues are able to reconnect with the tooth itself. Your dentist will then stabilize the repaired tooth by attaching a soft wire or composite splint to the adjacent teeth. It will need to stay in place for several days before it’s removed. Once your tooth is reinserted, it will take a bit of time to fully heal.

Do you have a knocked-out tooth? Follow the steps outlined above and visit your dentist right away. They’ll get your smile back on the right track in no time!

About the Practice

At Martinez Dentistry, we offer comprehensive, high-quality, personalized services that you simply can’t find anywhere else. Our team is passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you have a knocked-out tooth, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. You can make an appointment via our website or call (317) 846-3431.