Dental injuries may happen at any age, and one that may be especially concerning is a knocked-out tooth, also called an avulsed tooth. What you do in case it happens depends on the type of tooth that has been expelled. Here are the steps you should take.
For a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Your first set of teeth is called your primary or baby teeth. These come between the ages of one and ten and will be replaced with permanent teeth as you grow. But if one is knocked out prematurely, take the following:
- Step 1: Don’t try to put it back into its socket.
- Step 2: If unsure whether it’s a primary or baby tooth, place the intact tooth in a container of saliva.
- Step 3: Arrange a dental appointment immediately. Though we’re unlikely to reimplant the tooth, we can put in a spacer if necessary to maintain healthy permanent teeth alignment.
When You Knock out an Adult Tooth
A primary tooth that remains intact after being knocked out can be saved if you take quick action.
- Step 1: Handle with care by the top of the tooth – avoid touching the root.
- Step 2: If dirty, gently rinse the tooth with warm water.
- Step 3: Where possible, insert the tooth back into its socket, holding it in place with gauze or your tongue.
- Step 4: If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of saliva.
- Step 5: Keep the tooth moist at all times and call our dental clinic immediately.
Emergency Dentistry in Blacktown
If we can see you within an hour or so after the accident, the chances are good your tooth can be saved. We encourage you to call our Blacktown dental practice as soon as you can during a dental emergency.
