Tooth Knocked Out!!

What do I do now! So you, or more likely a child, have knocked out a tooth and you don't know what to do.  Well time is critical in order to get the tooth back and have it stay there.  However, more serious injuries first need to be ruled out.  If someone has sustained a head injury and passed out for any amount of time they must go to the ER first to rule out any serious brain injuries or bleeding.  If no one lost consciousness then the sooner you can get to a dentist the better. The cells that connect a tooth to the bone will live for 2 hours outside of the body IF they are taken care of properly. 

So if the tooth is knocked out but still hanging in the mouth you can try to reposition it yourself.  This will be painful and may not be successful. It's much better to get to a dentist quickly without messing with the tooth too much. If the tooth or teeth are completely knocked out then find the tooth or teeth, but be careful how you handle it.  You must avoid touching the root of the tooth (the part of the tooth that was embedded in the gums) because it can be damaged easily.  Do not wipe any dirt or debris off of it; this will only do more damage.  The tooth must be cleaned with and then stored in a liquid so that the cells don’t die.  Saliva and Hank's Balanced Salt Solution are the best things to clean the tooth and to store it in.  Milk is the next best thing followed by saline solution.  I would prefer that if the tooth is from an adult clean it with one of the solutions above and then place it between the cheek and gum and go to the dentist.  You can’t trust a young injured child to do this without possibly swallowing it so have them spit in a cup and store it there.  Some athletic team’s emergency kits have Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution to store a tooth in.  Also, within most crowds someone will have saline solution.

Attached is Ethan after a hockey accident; the ice never loses.

The photos are after his accident then right after Dr. Bryan Bauer repositioned it and finally Dr. Danielle Bauer (orthodontist) made a custom retaining wire for him.

Once you see the dentist, he/she will get the area numb and reposition the tooth.  Then a retaining wire, think braces but on the back side of the teeth, will be placed.  6 weeks later, the wire may be removed.  Most of these teeth end up dying and needing root canals, especially in adults.  As long as it is replaced quickly they usually stay in place.  Worst case scenario is that you lose it and will need an implant in the future.  So even if nothing can be done for your tooth, something that looks natural can be done for you later.  These accidents usually happen outside of normal dental hours, but do not hesitate to page or call your dentist’s emergency number.  Every dentist I know will drop just about anything to get to the office and see you in this type of situation, or if they can’t they will find another dentist that can help you.

You can always contact our office at 630-665-5550 or Dettmer and Bauer website.  My emergency number is 630-534-0890.