Permanent Tooth Knocked Out

A permanent tooth which has been knocked out can be saved if it is put back quickly. If you cannot put the tooth back, store it in milk. Always call your dentist straightaway after a tooth injury. Every minute the tooth is out of the gum, the less chance it has of surviving.

First aid for permanent tooth:

1. Handle the tooth by the crown (smooth white part), not the root (yellowish pointy parts).
2. Gently put the tooth back into the gum. Make sure the pointy root is the part that goes into the gum. Only do this if the person is conscious.
3. Hold the tooth in place by gently biting on something soft, like a handkerchief.
4. See a dentist immediately.
5. If the tooth is dirty, rinse gently with water and don’t rub or scrub.

What not to do with the tooth

1. Don’t clean the tooth by scrubbing or using cleaning products or water.
2. Don’t handle the tooth by the root.
3. Don’t let the tooth dry out.

If the knocked out tooth is placed in the socket, subsequent treatment may include antibiotics to prevent infection. If the tooth is knocked loose or pushed out of position (inward, outward, sideways or into the jawbone), contact your dentist as soon as possible.

The treatment of a fractured tooth depends on how deep the fracture is. Regardless of the damage, treatment should always be determined by a dentist.

If you cannot close your upper and lower teeth together, your jaw may be broken. This requires emergency dental help.

Prevention

1. Wear a sports guard when playing any contact sport.
2. Avoid fights
3. Avoid hard foods
4. Always wear a seatbelt.