Emergency Dentist – What to do when a tooth is knocked out

If any tooth is knocked out, it is important that you visit the dentist as soon as possible after the incident to minimise any permanent damage. 

For adult teeth:

• If the tooth is clean and the patient is conscious: replant the tooth in the socket making sure the tooth is facing the right way around.  The tooth should be gripped by the crown, which is the part normally visible in the mouth, not by the root.
• If the tooth is dirty: rinse in milk or have the patient gently suck clean before replanting the tooth back into the socket. Time is critical and the earlier the tooth is replaced into the socket the greater the chance of it being saved.
• Have the patient bite gently on a soft cloth to hold the tooth in place until you can get to a Dentist. If this is not possible, Aluminium foil can be used to hold the tooth in place. 
• If the tooth can’t be replaced: wrap tooth in plastic wrap or store in milk and make your way to the dentist as soon as possible. If soft tissue remnants remain on the tooth, do not remove them.

For baby teeth:

• Do not place the tooth back in the socket, these are not usually re-planted.
• Visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible to ensure the whole tooth came out intact (there’s no fragments left behind) and to check for other trauma to the mouth or jaw.

Please note, if the accident victim shows any signs of head injury, unconsciousness, nausea, or persistent headaches, they should be first evaluated for their head injury by proper medical personnel. Once a head injury is ruled out, proceed to the dentist for treatment of the knocked out tooth.

For urgent care or further information, contact your local Pacific Smiles Dental Centre.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.