If you have knocked out a tooth, then you need to act quickly. Sometimes it is possible to reinsert it within the first half an hour to an hour after the accident.

Knocked-out tooth.

Retrieve the tooth, hold it by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth), and rinse off the tooth root with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place. Make sure it’s facing the right way. Never force it into the socket.

If it’s not possible to reinsert the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk (or a cup of water that contains a pinch of table salt, if milk is not available).

In all cases, see your dentist as quickly as possible. Knocked-out teeth with the highest chances of being saved are those seen by the dentist and returned to their socket within 1 hour of being knocked out.

Extruded (partially dislodged) tooth.

See your dentist right away. Until you reach your dentist’s office, to relieve pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as Nurofen or Advil) if needed.

What Should I Do If My Child Knocks Out a Tooth?

If the tooth is permanent, then please follow the advice above. If it is a primary or milk tooth, then please don’t try to re-insert it as this could damage the adult tooth underneath. Onboth occasions, please bring your child in to see us as soon as you can.

Please contact iSmile Dental Clinic immediately if you knock out a tooth and let us take care of you.